'The Healer' Action Film Advances Toward International Release

Eddie Peng and Ewan Mitchell headline “The Healer,” the feature-directorial debut of action-stunt veteran Can Aydin. The film completed principal photography in Budapest, Hungary, and is being positioned for a Cannes market debut. Highland Film Group and 66cc are handling international sales, with 66cc representing Asian territories and Highland overseeing all other rights.

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Can Aydin, known for coordinating stunts on “Thunderbolts*,” “The Fall Guy,” and Disney’s “Obi-Wan Kenobi” series, crafted a story set in a shadow-ruled city. Peng portrays a blind acupuncturist who once served as a weapon and now uses his heightened senses to heal. The plot escalates when his young patient, Soly (Smylie Bradwell), becomes the target of gang boss Dandy Lynch (Ewan Mitchell).

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The ensemble includes Peng (“The Great Wall,” “Black Dog”), Mitchell (“House of the Dragon,” “Saltburn”), Bradwell (“Hamnet”), Georgina Beedle (“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”), and Jameela Jamil (“The Good Place”). Producer Molly Hassell leads Hassell Free Productions with Electric Shadow. Executive producers Jason Eric Laciste, Dejan Ahrens, and Jonah Greenberg contribute, while Ahrens also serves as a major financier through Marder Films.

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Major financing arrived from Marder Films, supplemented by Riviera Content (Vivian Tarn, Karam Almasri), Taiden Audio-Visual Production Co., and East West Bank, coordinated by Hungary’s Rosebud Finance Kft. Distribution rights are split: 66cc manages Asian sales, Highland Film Group handles all other territories, and CAA Media Finance oversees U.S. financing. Production wrapped in Budapest earlier this month.

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Molly Hassell praised the pairing of Peng and Mitchell as “crown jewels,” emphasizing the film’s blend of strong acting and a compelling narrative. Highland Film Group CEO Arianne Fraser highlighted the “absolutely incredible” early footage and the film’s commercial appeal. COO Delphine Perrier noted the impressive fight choreography and its potential resonance with global audiences. Jeffrey Chan, founder of 66cc, expressed gratitude for reuniting with Peng and confidence that the project will elevate Peng’s international profile.

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No dissenting commentary or criticism was reported in the available sources.

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• “It’s rare to see two such talented actors go head-to-head — Eddie Peng and Ewan Mitchell are our crown jewels,” — Molly Hassell, Producer

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• “Eddie Peng is a major star, both in Asia and globally. The picture just wrapped shooting, and the early footage we’ve seen looks absolutely incredible!” — Arianne Fraser, CEO, Highland Film Group

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• “The fight choreography is impressive, with a scale, cinematic ambition and commercial appeal that will strongly resonate with international audiences.” — Delphine Perrier, COO, Highland Film Group

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• “I’m deeply grateful to Molly for inviting me on board and thrilled to be able to re-unite with Eddie after almost a decade since ‘Unbeatable’ and ‘Operation Mekong,’” — Jeffrey Chan, Founder, 66cc

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The sales campaign will launch at the Cannes Film Market, where Highland and 66cc will pitch the film to distributors worldwide. The producers anticipate securing theatrical and streaming deals ahead of the film’s planned release in 2027.

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