| Release Date | January 31, 2025 |
| Director & Co-Writer | Steve Barnett |
| Stars | Chase Stokes, Lana Condor, Desmin Borges, and more |
| Filming Dates | September 26, 2022 – November 1, 2022 |
| Filming Duration | 6-week filming schedule |
| Locations | Vancouver’s wild landscapes + The Bridge Studios |
About the Film
Valiant One is an action-packed thriller about a group of U.S. soldiers stranded in the North Korean side of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) after a disastrous helicopter crash. With their leaders gone, the survivors are forced to rely on their skills and courage to avoid triggering a war while keeping a critical tech expert alive.
- Key Themes: Survival, leadership, teamwork
- Main Plot: Get out of the DMZ without sparking a global conflict.
The Filming Locations: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Valiant One was primarily filmed in Vancouver and Burnaby, Canada.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver’s stunning landscapes made it the perfect stand-in for the treacherous North Korean terrain. With dense forests, rugged mountains, and a sprawling city, the location brought both beauty and danger to the movie.
- Director’s Take: Steve Barnett praises Vancouver’s landscapes, noting how they helped convey the characters’ isolation and the harsh challenges they face.
- Cast Experience: Chase Stokes (Edward Brockman) mentioned the realistic outdoor settings made filming feel even more intense, adding to the rawness of the scenes.
The Bridge Studios, Burnaby
For scenes involving interiors and special effects, Valiant One used The Bridge Studios in Burnaby. The state-of-the-art facility allowed for intense action sequences in a controlled environment, balancing real locations with practical effects.
- Production Insight: The studio gave the team the space to execute high-octane action scenes safely, ensuring the movie’s intensity remained intact.
Lana Condor shared some behind teh scenes during the filming with an update about the wrap of the film.
Chase Stokes who played Edward Brockman in the film also shared some fun moments during the filming, wrote “apparently you can’t take a photo of the moon with your phone thanks michael.”
Why Should You Watch Valiant One?
If you’re a fan of thrillers that combine action, suspense, and emotional depth, Valiant One is a must-see. The intense survival story, gripping leadership dynamics, and the breathtaking visuals will keep you hooked from start to finish.
- What to Expect:
- High Stakes: Can they make it out without igniting a war?
- Action-Packed Sequences: Expect intense combat and survival moments.
- Character Growth: Focus on leadership and teamwork.
Meet the Cast
The film’s ensemble cast brings the characters to life with incredible performances that will have you rooting for the team at every turn.
- Chase Stokes as Edward Brockman – A reluctant leader stepping up under pressure.
- Lana Condor as Selby – A tough survivor fighting for her life.
- Desmin Borges as Josh Weaver – The crucial civilian defense contractor.
- Callan Mulvey as Chris Lebold – A battle-hardened Delta operative.
- Jonathan Whitesell as Jonah Ross – The unpredictable adrenaline junkie.
- Daniel Jun as Wilson Lee – A Korean-American infantry specialist bringing unique perspectives.
What Makes Valiant One Stand Out?
- Realistic DMZ Representation: The filmmakers put a lot of effort into accurately portraying the DMZ. Lana Condor even mentioned how realistic the locations felt, helping her get lost in the role.
- Dramatic Landscapes: Vancouver’s wild and harsh terrain helped create an authentic backdrop for the team’s survival journey.