Karl Urban’s Latest Movie Brings A New Twist To The Pirate Genre

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Karl Urban could have a big year in 2026 with the last season of The Boys and Mortal Kombat 2. However, his film The Bluff is also worth watching. In 2026, many viewers will be especially interested to see how his popular character, Billy Butcher, from the Prime Video show The Boys, story ends.

Karl Urban is adding Mortal Kombat 2 to his impressive list of franchise appearances. He’s already been a part of Xenaverse, The Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), The Boys, and the often-overlooked Dredd reboot. This variety demonstrates Urban’s ability to seamlessly fit into and enhance different cinematic worlds.

I’ve been a fan of Karl Urban ever since he and Lucy Lawless were on Xena: Warrior Princess, and he’s really become a go-to guy for action and fantasy. He’s done pretty much every kind of action movie you can think of, but honestly, his newest film throws him into a genre I’m surprised he hasn’t tackled before. It’s a really interesting move for him!

Karl Urban Stars As A Pirate Captain In The Bluff

In the 2026 film The Bluff, Karl Urban plays Captain Francisco Connor, a pirate determined to reclaim gold that was stolen from him years earlier. He finally locates the treasure after a chance encounter with a merchant who seems unlikely to possess it.

I was completely captivated by the story of Captain Connor and Ercell! Once Connor found out where the merchant came from, he immediately besieged the island, putting him on a collision course with the merchant’s wife, Ercell, played brilliantly by Priyanka Chopra Jonas. What followed was an incredible showdown – a real battle of intelligence, determination, and raw power as they both tried to outsmart each other. You see, Ercell was desperate to protect her husband, while Connor was single-mindedly focused on collecting the reward offered for her capture.

Karl Urban’s performance in The Bluff feels like a test run for a potential role in Pirates of the Caribbean. The film showcases his talent for the exciting, adventurous style of that franchise. If Disney brings Pirates back, many fans will likely want to see Urban take on a leading role, as he convincingly embodies the spirit of a pirate as Captain Connor.

The Bluff Is Die Hard With Pirates

Lots of action movies have tried to capture the magic of Die Hard, and even though the trend has cooled off a bit, we still see new films inspired by Bruce Willis’s classic almost every year. The basic idea is straightforward: one person fighting against a group of villains in a confined space, with a ticking clock adding to the pressure.

When Captain Connor seizes control of her town, he focuses on capturing Ercell. But she refuses to surrender, determined to protect her family. Using cleverly hidden traps and years of preparation, she battles through three major groups of Connor’s soldiers, with each fight forming a distinct part of the movie.

The Bluff’s Action Setpieces Are Exciting

Courtesy of Esquire and Prime Video

The Bluff delivers on the thrilling promise of its ‘Die Hard with pirates’ concept. Each action sequence takes place in a new setting and features inventive combat – from intense, outnumbered fights and clever gadgets to elaborate hideouts and direct, one-on-one sword fights. It has all the swashbuckling action you could ask for.

Reviews of The Bluff consistently highlight how effectively it uses its R rating, showcasing both realistic language and intense violence. The film doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of piracy, portraying characters who are, to varying degrees, manipulative, unpleasant, violent, and without moral principles. The film’s striking visuals – achieved through high-contrast colors, detailed cinematography, and smooth editing – make the thrilling action sequences even more impactful.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ Performance Is Compelling

Priyanka Chopra Jonas delivers a strong performance alongside Karl Urban, playing a woman with a hidden history as a pirate. Her expertly choreographed action scenes demonstrate her skill and rising status as a leading action star in Hollywood, and it’s clear she thoroughly prepared for her role in The Bluff.

I’m completely captivated by her performance! It’s amazing to see her tackle a new action style – she just fits right into the swashbuckling world. But what really impresses me is how effortlessly she blends intense, brutal action with genuinely touching and emotional moments. She doesn’t just act the part; her entire body, especially her eyes, tells the story of her character’s pain and journey. It’s incredibly powerful.

The Bluff Still Feels Stale Due To Clichés

Despite an interesting attempt to breathe new life into pirate movies – by keeping the action on land and framing it like a ‘Die Hard’ scenario – The Bluff doesn’t quite succeed in feeling original. The story of revenge feels predictable, and isn’t developed enough to make you truly care about what happens. Plus, the characters themselves are fairly unremarkable.

While The Bluff doesn’t have a particularly complex story, it’s a fast-paced action movie that consistently delivers thrilling set pieces. Even though you can often guess what’s going to happen, the action sequences are well-done and keep you engaged. If a sequel, The Bluff 2, is made by Frank E. Flowers, I’d be excited to see it, hoping for even more exciting action and better-developed characters.

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2026-02-27 18:39