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Actor and producer Ma Dong-seok is set to charm global audiences with his Hollywood project “Pig Village.”

Distributors Plus M Entertainment and ABO Entertainment announced Friday that “Pig Village” has begun filming with a star-studded cast, including Michael Rooker and Colin Woodell.

The movie is based on an original idea by Ma, also known as Don Lee. Lee Sang-yong, who directed the hit cop movies "The Roundup" (2022) and "The Roundup: No Way Out" (2023), both of which Ma produced and starred in, will helm this project as well.

Ma is the creator, producer and lead actor for the film, which follows the story of professional bare-knuckle boxer Hammer and a cast of criminals with different backgrounds as they gather in San Diego.

Having achieved the remarkable feat of three films with more than 10 million views in Korea's "The Roundup” and making a strong impression on global movie fans as Gilgamesh in Marvel Studios' 2021 movie "Eternals," Ma will showcase his signature action style in this new project, according to the distributors.

"I have long dreamed of making a genuine Hollywood action movie through the Korean production system,” Ma said. “'Pig Village' is a completely new project that will excite global audiences by bringing together top-tier talent from Korea and Hollywood, combining the strengths of both sides.”

Rooker, renowned for his role as Yondu Udonta in "Guardians of the Galaxy" series, will play Steve, a corrupt police officer who knows Hammer's weakness. Woodell, who starred in Netflix’s 2025 series “Pulse,” will portray Randy, a cold-blooded serial killer, adding to the film's tension.

The cast is further strengthened by the addition of Lisette Olivera, Ali Ahn, Abraham Popoola and Alex Meraz.

"Ma Dong-seok is a person with tremendous influence. I didn't want to miss the opportunity to work with him and the wonderful Korean production team on a fresh and exciting film,” Rooker said.

Ahn of Netflix's "The Diplomats" also shared her excitement, stating, "As a Korean American who has returned to Korea after 20 years, I am proud to have the opportunity to act alongside Ma Dong-seok."

"Pig Village" is a project spearheaded by Ma’s team, utilizing Korean capital and production systems. It will be an English-language film targeting North American and global markets. The movie aims to complete filming in the first half of this year and pursue a worldwide release.

By Baek Byung-yeul

The Korea Times (Click)