John Wick. Nobody. Taken. For the better part of two decades, we've been seeing a subgenre of action expldoe in popularity where an unassuming, older character reveals to be an expert in kicking ass. In 2023, Finland provided their own take with Sisu.

What made Sisu stand out from the crowd was its silent protagonist Aatami (Jorma Tommila), the unapologetic brutality, and how it leans into tropes to deliver unfiltered entertainment. It proved a hit with critics and audiences, and now we have the sequel, Sisu: Road to Revenge.

This time, it's personal for Aatami, as he faces the Red Army commander (played by Stephan Lang) who killed his family. FILMHOUNDS had the opportunity to chat with star Tommila via email about playing a more emotional Aatami, working with Lang, and any news on a potential third film in the franchise.

Did you ever expect Sisu to be such a hit?

It was a surprise to me. I didn't expect it to become such a big international success.

How soon after the release of Sisu were there conversations around a sequel?

About a year and a half.

As a writer, as well as an actor, were you involved with the development of the story for Road to Revenge at all?

No, I was not involved with the script. But I always try to bring the characters I play to life by interpreting the subtext and thematic elements of the story.

The trailer hints that we'll learn more about Aatami and his backstory. Was working on Road to Revenge more emotionally challenging, as well as physically?

Aatami is a husband and father who has lost his family. There is only great sadness, grief and longing, which is the source of his anger and rage. The only meaningful thing he has left is the house, which has been left in the enemy-occupied area, and he wants to save it and rebuild it to preserve the memory of his family. Sisu: Road to Revenge is a film in which Aatami's emotional level rises above all physicality, and therefore, portraying that visceral performance was very challenging.

The action looks as gnarly and visceral as the first film. How does the sequel differ in terms of action choreography and its set pieces?

You have to watch it to find out, but I believe the fans of the first film will enjoy the sequel much more.

Is there a particular stunt in Road to Revenge that you're excited for audiences to see on the big screen?

There's not a particular stunt in mind, but I hope that the overall experience for audiences will be cinematic and memorable.

What was it like working with Stephan Lang?

Stephen is very talented and kind. I really enjoyed the scenes we shared together, and I believe we played off of each other very well.

What do you think the audience reaction will be when Sisu: Road to Revenge releases in cinemas?

As an actor, I never think about audiences and critics because it's impossible to predict what they may or may not like. But I always put my all into my performances.

And I have to ask: are there discussions already for a potential third Sisu film?

I haven't heard anything about a third film.

Sisu: Road to Revenge is in cinemas from 21 November.