Brandon Slagle is the kind of filmmaker who wears his love of movies on his sleeve. As an actor, writer, and director across action, horror, and sci-fi, he knows how to deliver spectacle and character in equal measure. Affinity, starring Marko Zaror, is his latest proof.
The film is a martial arts rollercoaster ride set in Bangkok. It’s full of heart, fists, and the kind of cinematic flourishes that make genre fans squeal like small children. We recently had the opportunity to talk with Brandon about the film, partnering with Zaror, and the influences that have made Affinity stand out among its peers.
HGL: First off, I have to say congratulations. I have to put Affinity in my top three action movies of the year so far, and the year’s almost over.
Brandon Slagle: Thank you! Is it Diablo, Prisoner of War, and Affinity?
HGL: Yep. I mean, you can’t go wrong with Scott Adkins and Marko Zaror.
Brandon Slagle: My DP shot all three of them, too, Niccolo De La Fere.
HGL: Visually, they definitely have a consistent style. There are just so many connections across all three films, and everyone knocked it out of the park.
Brandon Slagle: They’re kind of like a miniature cinematic universe. You could even say the Debt Collector movies are part of it too, with Louis’s bleached hair…
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HGL: At what point during development did you get involved with Affinity?
Brandon Slagle: About two and a half years ago. Marco had this project in varying forms for a number of years; he originally came up with the ideas in the mid-2010s. There had been a couple of different directors take a stab at it. When it came time to shoot, after he was in John Wick: Chapter 4, suddenly someone wanted to put money behind a movie he was the lead in.
HGL: Funny how that works, right?
Brandon Slagle: They needed a director who knew Thailand, knew the crew, and was savvy with action. I think I was the only person they talked to. I was suggested by a friend of mine, Chad Law, a prolific action writer. Marco and I had long, geeky conversations, then endless Zoom sessions for six months, and then we were shooting in Thailand.
HGL: Marco really gives it his all in this movie, both physically and emotionally. He goes places you don’t usually see him go.
Brandon Slagle: He’s a different breed of action star. Guys like him and Scott want to do something different; they don’t want to just be glorified stuntmen. They want to be proper actors, too. The whole Fast and Furious-style rules about not showing vulnerability go out the window with these guys, which makes them more human.
HGL: Definitely. What was your process working with him to bring out both the dramatic side and the action side?
Brandon Slagle: A lot of the action he’d been developing for years. Some of the final fights had been simmering for years with different opponents. I didn’t want to change anything Marco wanted to do. I wanted to grow his brand but also push him to not rely on exposition, to be charming, to be vulnerable. He even cried real tears in the movie, no aids like Visine or mist. Seeing that happen was one of the best moments on set.
HGL: It wasn’t just Marco; the whole cast was great—Louis Mandylor, Brahim Chab, Brooke Ence, just everybody. Can you talk about assembling the cast and getting the best out of them?
Brandon Slagle: There were different ideas for characters at various points. For instance, Louis’s character could have gone to someone else, but Marco and I wanted Louis because of his chemistry with Scott. Brooke Ence, who plays Fitch, is a former World CrossFit champion and has experience in films like Justice League and Wonder Woman. Brahim as Krieger came down to timing and prior connections.
Honestly, the way it turned out, I wouldn’t change a thing. They’re a great, slightly dysfunctional family, minus Krieger because he’s the bad guy.
HGL: One thing I appreciated was the balance between action and drama. How did you keep that?
Brandon Slagle: Action scenes are great, but they have to serve the story. Everything a character does must align with who they are. Marco always tells the story through the fights; it adds to the drama, and the action feels earned.
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HGL: Since you’re an actor as well, did that experience help in directing your cast?
Brandon Slagle: Definitely. I think back to how I wanted to be treated on set and apply that in reverse. Everyone should feel heard. It’s still collaboration—director, writer, producer, actors—everyone has to work harmoniously.
HGL: How was the communication with Marco, who was very hands-on, as director and the star?
Brandon Slagle: From the start, we clicked. We spent hours talking about kung fu movies, sci-fi, anything we loved. Then we had consistent communication for months, going over script, locations, crew, other actors, making sure we were always on the same page. It was maybe the most prepared I’ve ever been for a shoot.
HGL: Were there any films or directors that inspired you when setting the tone?
Brandon Slagle: John Woo, definitely. You can see a little of his style in the restaurant scene. Marco is a big anime fan too, sending me music from Attack on Titan and other shows. So there’s a subtle influence, though not direct. Some things come out subconsciously, too.
HGL: That stuff has inspired a whole culture. I can’t believe Akira turns 40 next year.
Brandon Slagle: I know! Time flies. I remember discovering the soundtrack in high school; it was a big deal for me. We even listened to it on set sometimes.
HGL: Were there challenges during filming?
Brandon Slagle: Shooting nights while juggling a young child was a challenge. Sleep was scarce. But we were prepared, and we had 22-23 days to shoot, which is luxurious for a movie like this. It allowed us to focus on action and drama without rushing.
HGL: It looked like it could compete with Hollywood releases.
Brandon Slagle: Bangkok helped; it feels slightly futuristic, which suited the story.
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HGL: How’s the reception been so far?
Brandon Slagle: Largely positive. About 80-85% of the reviews are good. Some people find it a little weird, which I love; it’s not the same old thing.
HGL: Now that the film is out there, what’s next for you?
Brandon Slagle: There’s always a few things in the pipeline. I shot my first film in the U.S. in years last fall, a sci-fi flick with an R-rated, Fifth Element-style feel. I also worked on Last Chance Motel that’s directed by Danielle Harris and Scout Taylor-Compton. Wait until you see Heather Langencamp in it! She’s not the girl next door you’re used to. Plus, I wrote Final Act.
There could be projects with Marco in Europe, but we’ll have to see what sticks. Movies are so unpredictable.
HGL: Well, I appreciate your time, and I loved Affinity. Best of luck with everything.
Brandon Slagle: Thank you!
Affinity is available now on digital and DVD/Blu-ray.
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