Kiefer Sutherland is returning to the high-stakes action genre with a religious twist in the upcoming crime thriller Father Joe. The film, which held its world premiere out of competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 5, 2026, stars the 24 actor as a priest who wages a secret, violent war against organized crime in 1990s Manhattan.
Set specifically within the neighborhood of Little Italy, Sutherland portrays the titular Father Joe. The narrative follows his secret war against organized crime, with first-look footage highlighting his character’s efforts to dismantle criminal operations and confront mobsters, bridging the gap between his iconic “Jack Bauer” persona and a gritty, urban vigilante.
The project features a significant creative pedigree, having been written and produced by Luc Besson and directed by Barthélémy Grossmann. Early critical comparisons have drawn parallels between the film’s tone and Besson’s previous high-octane hits like Léon: The Professional and Taken. Adding to the film’s weight is Al Pacino, who stars as the primary antagonist, a powerful mob boss named Giuseppe who clashes with the vigilante priest. Although Al Pacino sent a video message to the cast and director at the Venice premiere, he was unable to attend the festival in person.
One of the most discussed elements of the film is Father Joe’s unconventional method for forcing reform upon local criminals. According to plot details revealed alongside the premiere, Joe employs a unique tactic where he poisons his targets and informs them that the life-saving antidote will only be administered if they attend his Sunday mass. This “antidote for attendance” strategy serves as a central plot device, illustrating the character’s uncompromising approach to redemption in a neighborhood overrun by crime.
The film also stars Ever Anderson as a young woman guided by the priest through the dangers of the city. While the Venice debut has established the film’s presence on the international stage, the production marks a significant return to lead action roles for Sutherland, who continues to lean into the archetype of the weathered, highly-skilled operative operating outside the traditional bounds of the law.