Scott Adkins leads an incredible ensemble in “Prisoner of War,” a gripping WWII action thriller that showcases martial arts mastery within the brutal reality of Japanese internment camps. This powerhouse cast brings authenticity and raw intensity to one of 2025’s most compelling war films, combining seasoned action veterans with rising talent in an unforgettable story of survival.
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Prisoner of War Story Behind the Stars
Originally titled “Death March,” this Louis Mandylor-directed film follows a British SAS officer captured during World War II and forced to fight for his life in a Philippine POW camp. The carefully selected cast brings both martial arts expertise and dramatic depth to this harrowing tale of resilience and brotherhood.
Main Cast and Their Powerful Performances
| Actor | Character | Background | Notable Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Adkins | James Wright (British SAS Officer) | Martial arts icon and action star | Undisputed series, John Wick 4 |
| Peter Shinkoda | Lt. Col. Ito (Camp Commander) | Versatile Canadian actor | Daredevil, Falling Skies |
| Donald Cerrone | Captain Collins | Ex-UFC fighter turned actor | Spenser Confidential, Terror on the Prairie |
| Michael Copon | Villanueva | TV and film veteran | Power Rangers, One Tree Hill |
Scott Adkins as James Wright – The Reluctant Warrior
Headlining the cast of Prisoner of War is Scott Adkins as James Wright, the British officer who is captured. Known as one of the world’s finest martial artist-actors, Adkins brings unmatched authenticity to the role of a captured SAS officer forced to fight for survival.
Adkins’ Action Legacy:
- Initially gained fame from his performance as Yuri Boyka in Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006)
- Appeared in major blockbusters including The Expendables 2, Zero Dark Thirty, and John Wick: Chapter 4
- Master of multiple martial arts disciplines, bringing genuine fighting skills to the role
Peter Shinkoda as Lt. Col. Ito – The Complex Antagonist
Canadian actor Peter Shinkoda stars as Lt. Col. Ito, a commanding officer in the camp shown in Prisoner of War. His nuanced portrayal adds psychological depth to what could have been a one-dimensional villain.
Shinkoda’s Versatile Career:
- Most recognized for his appearance as Nobu Yoshioka in Marvel’s Daredevil
- Television credits include Hawaii Five-0, Supernatural, and Stargate SG-1
- Brings cultural authenticity and dramatic weight to the antagonist role
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone as Captain Collins – The Fighter’s Heart
Ex-UFC fighter Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone takes on the role of Captain Collins in Prisoner of War. His transition from professional fighting to acting adds genuine toughness to the ensemble.
From Octagon to Screen:
- Fought 38 times over 11 years in the UFC
- Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023
- Brings real combat experience to the brutal camp environment
Michael Copon as Villanueva – The Familiar Face
Michael Copon stars as Villanueva in Prisoner of War. His extensive television background adds recognizable star power to the supporting cast.
Copon’s Diverse Portfolio:
- Known for Power Rangers Time Force as the Blue Ranger, Lucas Kendall
- Television appearances include One Tree Hill as Felix Taggaro
- Producer and multi-talented entertainer beyond acting
Supporting Cast: The Backbone of the Story
The film’s authenticity is enhanced by a carefully chosen supporting ensemble:
Key Supporting Players:
- Michael Rene Walton as The Beard – Adds gravitas to prisoner dynamics
- Gary Cairns as Jonesy – Brings British military authenticity
- Gabbi Garcia as Theresa – Provides emotional anchor outside the camp
- Masanori Mimoto as Captain Endo – Japanese military authority
- Shane Kosugi as Hirano – Camp enforcer with martial arts background
The Casting Strategy: Authenticity Meets Entertainment
Director Louis Mandylor’s casting choices reflect a commitment to both historical authenticity and modern action sensibilities. By combining martial arts legends like Adkins with culturally appropriate actors like Shinkoda, the film achieves believability while delivering spectacular fight sequences.
What Makes This Cast Special:
- Real Fighting Skills: Multiple cast members bring genuine martial arts and combat experience
- Cultural Authenticity: Asian actors in appropriate roles add historical accuracy
- Dramatic Range: Beyond action, the cast delivers emotional depth to heavy subject matter
- Star Power: Recognizable faces ensure audience engagement with the intense storyline
Behind the Scenes: Preparation and Performance
The physical demands of “Prisoner of War” required extensive preparation from the entire cast. Adkins’ martial arts background provided a foundation, while other cast members underwent intensive training to match the film’s brutal combat sequences.
The production benefited from the cast’s diverse backgrounds, with Cerrone’s fighting experience and Shinkoda’s dramatic training creating a perfect blend for the film’s tone.
Why This Cast Works for Modern Audiences
“Prisoner of War” succeeds because its cast understands both the historical weight of the story and the entertainment expectations of modern action audiences. The film has already found its way into the festival scene, with showings at the Beverly Hills Film Festival and Sacramento International Film Festival.
For more action movie cast breakdowns and WWII film analysis, explore our movie review section and discover more about martial arts in cinema.
Watch “Prisoner of War” in theaters now and find more cast interviews on our entertainment coverage. Check showtimes at Fandango.
Discover more martial arts movie breakdowns and action film analysis at TechnoSports Cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Scott Adkins perform his own martial arts stunts in “Prisoner of War”?
A1: Yes, Scott Adkins performs most of his own martial arts sequences in “Prisoner of War.” As one of the world’s most skilled martial artist-actors, Adkins brings authentic fighting techniques from his background in kickboxing, taekwondo, and gymnastics. His years of training, particularly his work in Hong Kong martial arts films, made him ideal for portraying a captured British officer forced into brutal hand-to-hand combat scenarios.
Q2: How did Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone prepare for his transition from UFC fighting to acting in this war film?
A2: Donald Cerrone’s transition from professional MMA fighting to acting brought natural advantages to “Prisoner of War.” His real combat experience and mental toughness from 38 UFC fights over 11 years provided authentic intensity for the brutal POW camp environment. Unlike traditional actors learning fight choreography, Cerrone had to adapt his real fighting instincts to serve the story’s dramatic needs while maintaining the physical credibility that made him perfect for Captain Collins.
