The new action film Prisoner of War, starring action icon Scott Adkins, takes audiences into a harrowing World War II story set in the Philippines. The movie, which centers on a captured British SAS officer forced to fight for his life, has generated significant interest for its intense action sequences. While the film’s setting is a Japanese-run POW camp in the Philippines, the production itself utilized a different set of locations to bring the story to life.
The movie, directed by Louis Mandylor and written by Marc Clebanoff, had its principal photography over several weeks in 2024. The filmmakers created a realistic and gritty environment to convey the brutal conditions faced by the characters.
Primary Filming Location in the United States
The majority of the scenes for Prisoner of War were filmed in the United States. The production crew and cast shot the movie on location in California. This decision was made to achieve the desired look and feel for the World War II setting, and to effectively manage the production schedule.
A significant portion of the film’s production took place in Southern California. The filmmakers were able to find suitable landscapes and areas that could be transformed into the Philippine jungle and the confines of the prisoner of war camp. The use of a single, well-managed location helped in maintaining a consistent visual style throughout the movie, from the intense hand-to-hand combat scenes to the dramatic moments of the characters’ struggles.
Production Details and Creative Choices
Filming began in the last week of July 2024 and concluded in late August 2024. The quick, efficient production timeline allowed the crew to capture the necessary footage while focusing on the film’s central action sequences.
The film’s title was originally Death March, before being changed to Prisoner of War. This change was made to align with the film’s broader themes of survival and endurance. The movie premiered at the Beverly Hills Film Festival in April 2025 and had a limited theatrical and digital release on September 19, 2025.
The movie’s official plot describes how a British SAS officer named James Wright is captured and sent to a Japanese POW camp in the Philippines. There, he is forced to participate in brutal death matches for the entertainment of his captors. The story also connects to the historical Bataan Death March, adding a layer of gravity to the narrative. The film was produced by Odyssey Motion Pictures and Brand in Motion, among others.
“The movie is a visceral, stripped-down action film,” stated a reviewer from Action-Flix.com. “It showcases what Scott Adkins does best: raw, unfiltered martial arts combat.”
The director, Louis Mandylor, is also known for his work in action-oriented films. He collaborated closely with Scott Adkins to choreograph and execute the complex fight scenes, which are a major part of the movie’s appeal. While the film is a work of fiction, it draws inspiration from the real-life struggles of Allied soldiers in World War II.
Also Read: Prisoner of War Cast and Characters: A Full Guide
Credits: Odyssey Motion Pictures, Brand in Motion, Reality MM Studios
