Upcoming Action Shows You May Not Know Were In The Works

As a fan of action-packed shows and someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of streaming, I can confidently say that the upcoming lineup of action series is nothing short of exhilarating! From the gritty detective life of Spider-Noir, starring the legendary Nicolas Cage, to the reimagined Tomb Raider with Sophie Turner taking on the iconic role, it’s clear that these shows will cater to a wide range of tastes.

2025 promises an array of thrilling TV series for action enthusiasts, with some highly anticipated returns and debuts. For instance, Gabriel Basso will reappear on our screens as Peter Sutherland in “The Night Agent,” while Charlie Cox is set to don his best suit yet as Daredevil in “Daredevil: Born Again” come March. Additionally, the second seasons of popular series like “The Last of Us” and “Andor” are slated for spring release. However, there’s a host of exciting new action shows in development for 2025 and beyond that might not be on your radar just yet.

From period series to dramatic procedurals, there’s going to be more than enough action to go around in the next few years. Of course, the action category wouldn’t be complete without getting to see a few superheroes doing their thing, and there’s more than just a new “Daredevil” show on the horizon. What’s also great about this upcoming slate of shows is that there will be plenty of women at the forefront of the action. For example, “Pretty Little Liars” star Troian Bellisario is turning her attention to crime fighting as a hardened California cop, and a Hollywood A-Lister will reportedly take on the role of iconic “Tomb Raider” main character Lara Croft. Keep reading for all the details of the action that’s on the way to small screens.

On Call (January 9, 2025)

After playing Spencer Hastings for seven seasons on “Pretty Little Liars,” Troian Bellisario isn’t new to the world of drama. However, she’s swapping Spencer’s detective skills for intense police work in her upcoming series, “On Call.” This Amazon Prime Video show focuses on Bellisario’s character, Traci Harmon, a seasoned Long Beach, California officer who knows the city like the back of her hand. In this eight-part drama, she is assigned to train rookie cop Alex Diaz (Brandon Larracuente), but their time together alters his romanticized perception of law enforcement.

The series features Bellisario and Larracuente alongside Eriq La Salle as Sergeant Lasman, Lori Loughlin as Lieutenant Bishop, and Rich Ting as Sergeant Koyama in its starring roles. “On Call” boasts impressive talent, not only on-screen but also behind the scenes: It is the brainchild of Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf, with Dick Wolf, creator of the “One Chicago” series, serving as an executive producer. Similar to the NBC franchise, this upcoming drama will delve into the interwoven professional and personal lives of these California officers. It will examine the contrast between Traci and Alex, embodying different ideological perspectives, while also scrutinizing the intricate bond between law enforcement and the local community.

As a eager fan, I can’t help but be intrigued by the unique approach of blending bodycam, dashboard camera, and personal phone footage to achieve a genuine, real-life feel – a cinema verité effect – in the upcoming series “On Call.” This innovative production promises an exploration into the complex moral landscape of serving and safeguarding a community. Mark your calendars for January 9, 2025, as it premieres exclusively on Prime Video!

American Primeval (January 9, 2025)

Over the past few years, shows like “Yellowstone” and its related series have fueled audiences’ curiosity about the classic American West. Now, Netflix is offering a fresh perspective with the intense action-thriller “American Primeval”. This series delves into a fictionalized account of the clash between culture, religion, and society during this period as people struggle and perish in their quest for power over the world. The story unfolds in 1857, providing a gritty portrayal of the West’s brutal beginnings. According to Netflix, director and executive producer Pete Berg is excited to transport viewers into the most intense and heart-racing survival story ever told: “I can’t wait to take you straight into the heart of the beast.

The miniseries “American Primeval” is narrated from various perspectives, featuring a stellar cast including Taylor Kitsch, who plays Isaac, a man striving to break free from his haunted past. Brigham Young, portrayed by Kim Coates, also embarks on this challenging journey as a leader of the Mormon Church. Despite the hardships, Brigham is determined to safeguard his oppressed followers and has the Nauvoo Legion at his command.

As a thrilled viewer, I’m excited to share that when the action unfolds, there will be no shortage of it! Newcomers like the trappers, led by the formidable bounty hunter Virgil Cutter (Jai Courtney), and Red Feather’s Wolf Clan, a band of rebellious Crow warriors under Derek Hinkey’s command, will join the fray. The talented ensemble includes Dane DeHaan, Kyle Bradley Davis, Betty Gilpin, Preston Mota, Nick Hargrove, Shawnee Pourier, Joe Tippett, and Shea Whigham. Mark your calendars for January 9, 2025, as this six-part miniseries premieres on Netflix!

Ironheart (June 24, 2025)

In 2025, Dominique Thorne revisits the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having first appeared as the young prodigy inventor Riri Williams in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” on the big screen in 2022. As an MIT student, she finds herself in the realm of superhero spying when her vibranium detector gets swiped by the CIA, but luckily for her, she’s also designed a suit of armor that matches Tony Stark’s in power, providing her with essential protection.

In 2025, Thorne will star in the action series “Ironheart,” airing on Disney+ on June 24th. This show revolves around a young inventor who returns to her hometown of Chicago, brimming with optimism for the future. As per the official description, the plot pits technology against magic, leading our protagonist, Riri, on an unforeseen adventure where she encounters “the enigmatic and charming Parker Robbins, aka The Hood,” portrayed by Anthony Ramos.

For Thorne, what makes this superhero series particularly captivating is its blend of fantastical elements with a deeply relatable narrative. As she shared with Teen Vogue following filming, there’s an abundance of authenticity on display as it delves into the experiences of being young, Black, and from Chicago. The principal cast for this upcoming six-episode miniseries includes Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam, and Anji White.

Wonder Man (December 2025)

After the favorable response to “WandaVision” in 2021, Marvel Studios has been ramping up production of its television shows and miniseries within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with varying levels of success and differing opinions from audiences. However, they’ve excelled at introducing new characters into the MCU, such as Kate Bishop (played by Hailee Steinfeld), who is Hawkeye’s protégé, Kamala Khan’s Ms. Marvel (portrayed by Iman Vellani), and G’iah from “Secret Invasion” (played by Emilia Clarke). Now, another character from Marvel Comics is set to make their debut: Wonder Man.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will take on the roles of both Simon Williams and his heroic persona Wonder Man within the Marvel universe. Known for playing Black Manta in DC’s “Aquaman” and its upcoming sequel, he is now joining Marvel Studios. The specifics about the series have not been revealed yet, but it may follow Simon’s comic book storyline where he transitions from a villain to a hero with guidance from former Avenger Hercules. With his real-life background as a stuntman in Hollywood, “Wonder Man” is expected to be filled with thrilling action sequences when it premieres.

Demetrius Grosse joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the first time, portraying Eric Williams (a.k.a Grim Reaper), Simon’s brother, alongside newcomers Lauren Glazier and Byron Bowers, whose characters haven’t been disclosed yet. While not all team members are fresh faces, “Wonder Man” has some familiar names within the growing superhero sphere: Director Destin Daniel Cretton, known for “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” is producing this series. He also co-wrote the script and is anticipated to direct multiple episodes. Lastly, Ben Kingsley will once again embody Trevor Slattery, leaving behind Ta Lo for the bright lights of Hollywood.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight (2025)

HBO is pushing ahead with the extension of the “Game of Thrones” world by greenlighting another prequel series named “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight,” scheduled for release towards the end of 2025. This upcoming series draws inspiration from George R. R. Martin’s trilogy of novellas, and it unfolds a century before the storyline of “Game of Thrones.” The narrative focuses on an unusual bond between Sir Duncan “Dunk” the Tall (portrayed by Peter Claffey) and his squire Egg (played by Dexter Sol Ansell), who turns out to be more significant than one might initially think.

As suggested by the official summary, an unexpected bond develops between these two characters, guiding them through the realm of Westeros. Given the triumph of “House of the Dragon,” this spin-off is undeniably something fans should eagerly anticipate. It’s not just a treasure trove of magical aspects cherished by followers of the series, but it promises thrilling action and intense drama as Dunk and Egg encounter numerous adversaries throughout their journey.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (2025/2026)

The “Star Trek” series is continuing its forward momentum, venturing even deeper into the future with the upcoming spin-off titled “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” set in the year 2026. This new series is a direct continuation from “Star Trek: Discovery,” taking us to the 32nd century, a time period we previously explored during the third season of “Discovery.” As stated by the franchise’s creative leader Alex Kurtzman, this leap into the future aims to connect with younger audiences. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Kurtzman, who is also a father of a 17-year-old boy, expressed that he understands the feelings his son has as he looks towards the world and its future challenges. “I see my son recognizing the enormous mess he’s inheriting and the responsibility to clean it up falls on his generation,” Kurtzman said, adding that this is a heavy burden for any young person to shoulder.

In the far-off 32nd century, “Starfleet Academy” deviates from the typical franchise narrative by being partially based on Earth, in a future San Francisco. The series focuses on a fresh wave of recruits embarking on their training journey at this iconic institution. Although it delves deeper into Earth politics within the “Star Trek” universe, there’s no shortage of action and excitement. The official synopsis hints that the cadets grapple with friendships, rivalries, and first romances as they strive to become officers. They encounter a perilous threat jeopardizing the Academy and the Federation, promising an intriguing narrative.

Holly Hunter, Tatiana Maslany, and Paul Giamatti, along with “Star Trek” stars Tig Notaro, Oded Fehr, Mary Wiseman, and Robert Picardo, have been announced to join the cast for a new series. The series is planned to consist of 10 episodes and is anticipated to release sometime in 2025 or 2026 on Paramount+.

Waller (2026/2027)

In a significant shift, the universe of DC characters on-screen is being reimagined under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran. They’re streamlining and pruning the existing films and TV series in the franchise while also unveiling a series of thrilling new projects as part of their reboot. The launch of “Creature Commandos” marks the beginning of this new chapter, titled “Gods and Monsters.” Despite the extensive changes, Gunn and Safran are reintroducing certain characters to maintain continuity, like Amanda Waller from A.R.G.U.S.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be seeing Viola Davis back in action! Not just that, she’s set to star in a new series titled “Waller.” This spin-off from “The Suicide Squad” and “Peacemaker” is something special – it picks up after the second season of John Cena’s series within the DCU timeline, as confirmed by Gunn on Threads. The exciting part? We’ll delve deeper into Viola’s character as the director of A.R.G.U.S. than ever before! So buckle up for an action-packed ride as we follow her leading Task Force X’s covert operations – it promises to be a thrilling spectacle when this team unites!

The action series, tentatively scheduled to air between late 2026 and early 2027, has yet to reveal many specific details. In a conversation with Collider in November 2024, Davis shared that the script was still under development. “James won’t initiate something until he’s completely satisfied with the scripts,” Davis said. “Once they’re ready, I’m certain he’ll announce a starting date – as an eager actor, I can’t wait for that moment!” Joining Davis in the cast are Steve Agee as Belle Reve Penitentiary warden John Economos and Danielle Brooks portraying Suicide Squad member Leota Adebayo.

The Terminal List: Dark Wolf (TBD)

Beyond portraying Peter “Star-Lord” Quill in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Chris Pratt has solidified his status as an action star through performances in movies like “The Magnificent Seven,” the “Jurassic World” series, and “The Tomorrow War.” He additionally showcased his talent in the 2022 action-thriller series on Prime Video, “The Terminal List,” where he stars as Lieutenant Commander James Reece. Over the course of eight episodes, this former Navy Seal embarks on a mission to uncover why his platoon was unexpectedly ambushed and nearly annihilated during a classified mission in Syria.

In his pursuit of vengeance for his fallen comrades, Reece delves into a chilling secret plot. This revelation leaves him stunned to discover that his friend Ben Edwards (Taylor Kitsch) betrayed him. The series concludes with Reece obtaining justice for his team’s demise, but the tale doesn’t end there. He will reappear in a prequel series, with Kitsch joining him once more. “The Terminal List: Dark Wolf” promises to shed light on Ben’s history and how he became entangled in the conspiracy. In addition, actors Tom Hopper from “The Umbrella Academy” and Luke Hemsworth from “Westworld” will portray characters named Raife Hastings and Jules Landry in this series.

Young Sherlock (TBD)

As a dedicated fan here, I can’t help but share my excitement about Hero Fiennes Tiffin’s career transformation! After making hearts flutter in the romantic “After” film series, he surprised us all with his role in the war epic “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.” This new direction took him into uncharted territory – action! And boy, did he embrace it. Now, I’m thrilled to announce that he’s signed on to play the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes in Prime Video’s upcoming action-adventure series “Young Sherlock,” under the skilled guidance of director and producer Guy Ritchie. Can’t wait to see what this talented young actor brings to the table!

In a fresh take on the classic character, Tiffin’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in “Young Sherlock” deviates from the brilliant detective viewers have come to know through Benedict Cumberbatch’s “Sherlock.” Instead, this series will focus on Sherlock at the age of 19, as he encounters his initial case at Oxford University. At this stage, Holmes is a disgraced, untamed, and unpolished young man who finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery that jeopardizes his freedom. As he dives headlong into his first-ever case without any restraint, Sherlock unwittingly uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy that will irrevocably alter the course of his life. This intriguing synopsis hints at an exciting and transformative adventure for our young detective.

In the upcoming series, Joseph Fiennes portrays the role of Sherlock Holmes’ on-screen father, Silas Holmes, while Natascha McElhone plays his artistic mother Cordelia Holmes. Dónal Finn is cast as James Moriarty, who will eventually become Sherlock’s adversary. Since Dr. Watson has not yet joined forces with Sherlock at this point in the story, his brother Mycroft (Max Irons) serves as his primary companion. Colin Firth and Adam James appear as Sir Bucephalus Hodge and Dr. Charles Maltby, respectively.

Tomb Raider (TBD)

1996 saw the arrival of the action-adventure video game “Tomb Raider”, captivating gamers worldwide. Over time, as the franchise grew, it led to a live-action movie duology featuring Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, a reboot, and an animated Netflix series. Amazon Prime Video thinks there’s more to the story of this British archaeologist, as they’ve commissioned a new live-action series, with “Fleabag” creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge set to write it.

In a press release, Waller-Bridge expressed her tremendous excitement about being part of the upcoming series, saying that if she could tell her younger self about it, her teenage self would likely burst with joy. She considers ‘Tomb Raider’ as a significant aspect of her life and feels immensely fortunate to be bringing it to television alongside passionate collaborators. Lara Croft holds great significance for her, just as she does for many others, and she can hardly wait to embark on this exciting journey.

Information regarding the upcoming “Tomb Raider” is scarce at the moment. Nevertheless, there are rumors that Sophie Turner will be taking on the role of Lara Croft. Furthermore, concept art using AI has been created to depict what Turner might look like in this part, though it’s not yet official. Although nothing has been confirmed, Turner is well-versed in action-packed productions, having gained prominence portraying Sansa Stark on “Game of Thrones.” More recently, she has shown her versatility by taking on diverse characters, such as the infamous British jewel thief Joan in the ITV drama, which bears her name.

Spider-Noir (TBD)

In the upcoming lineup on Prime Video, you’ll find “Spider-Noir,” a MGM+ series inspired by the Marvel comic “Spider-Man: Noir.” Nic Cage will reprise his role as the alternate Spider-Man from the 2018 animated film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” The story follows an aging and troubled private investigator in the 1930s New York, who must confront his past as the city’s sole superhero.

Cage has made his name on the big screen but is excited about the opportunity to work on a small screen project. Speaking about the series during an interview with The New Yorker, he teased that “Spider-Noir” will be inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood. Cage added that he’s particularly inspired by actors like James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart. Brendan Gleeson will also have a lead role in the series (he will reportedly play a mob boss). The duo will also be joined by Lamorne Morris, Li Jun LI, and Abraham Popoola, who are all set to appear as series regulars.

2024-12-18 23:01