‘Mortal Kombat’s Josh Lawson Teams Up with Michael Bay for Horror Movie

Director Michael Bay, known for his action films, is producing a new horror movie called Shredded by writer-director Josh Lawson. The film is expected to be similar in style to last year’s Him. Bay’s production company, Platinum Dunes – which he runs with Brad Fuller and Andrew Form – is known for creating suspenseful, original horror films, like A Quiet Place and The Purge, and Shredded continues that tradition.

According to Variety, he’s the new producer on a project also supported by Protagonist Pictures, Logical Pictures International, and UTA Independent Film Group. The film, Shredded, takes a harsh look at the extreme side of fitness and self-image. It centers on Eileen, who leaves a gym class after becoming disturbed by her coach’s behavior. This enrages the coach, who kidnaps Eileen and holds her captive, forcing her to complete grueling workouts. The story follows her fight for survival.

A statement from Platinum Dunes read:

Josh’s new film is a terrifying and personal story that will truly scare audiences. He’s exactly the type of talented, visionary filmmaker Platinum Dunes champions – someone who knows how to create a thrilling and enjoyable horror experience. Be warned: after watching Shredded, you’ll never look at gym equipment, especially those large mirrors, the same way again.

Protagonist CEO Dave Bishop praised the film Shredded as a thrilling and relevant story that speaks to modern concerns about control, focusing too much on oneself, and the pressure to constantly improve.

‘Shredded’ is a Step Up for its Director


Warner Bros.

Director Ben Lawson actually started his career as an actor back in 1997, appearing on the Australian children’s show The Wayne Manifesto. He then had a brief role in the popular soap opera Home & Away in 2004, playing Felix Walters. From 2012 to 2016, Lawson was a regular on Showtime’s House of Lies, portraying Doug Guggenheim. He also had a recurring role as Tate Staskiewicz on NBC’s Superstore, and later made a guest appearance in an episode of Netflix’s Cobra Kai, a sequel to The Karate Kid.

He’s appeared in a wide range of projects, including comedies like Will Ferrell’s The Campaign and Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, the animated film Free Birds, and the video game adaptation Mortal Kombat. He’s returning to play the villain Kano in the upcoming Mortal Kombat sequel, reprising his role as the Terminator-like character.

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He’s previously directed short films and two comedies – The Little Death (2014) and Long Story Short (2021) – but this new project, made with Bay’s production company, represents a significant shift in his career.

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2026-02-10 13:18