Order of the Dragon is an upcoming international action-thriller set for release in 2026, marking the return of Steven Seagal to the big screen after several years away. Directed by Vjekoslav Katusin, the film brings together a powerhouse cast of action veterans and rising stars, including Ron Smoorenburg, Michael Paré, Michel Qissi, Alona Hertha, and Mark Stas, known widely as “The Belgian Bruce Lee.”
The production is a joint effort between Dream Team Pictures (Croatia) and Filmworkers (Germany), with principal filming scheduled to begin in Belgrade, Serbia, in September 2025. The movie is being positioned as a high-octane throwback to the gritty, martial arts–driven action films of the 1980s and 1990s, blending explosive fight choreography with a story steeped in conspiracy, betrayal, and redemption.
For long-time fans of Seagal and enthusiasts of international martial arts cinema, Order of the Dragon promises a blend of adrenaline-pumping action sequences, international intrigue, and intense performances that could cement its place as one of the most anticipated action releases of 2026.
Order of the Dragon (2026) – Official Trailer | NOT RELEASED YET
What is Order of the Dragon About?
The story centers on elite assassin John Rico (Ron Smoorenburg), a man whose reputation is built on precision and lethality. When a mission goes wrong, Rico is offered one final chance at redemption: to track down and eliminate Mason Ryker (Steven Seagal), a legendary figure tied to a secretive underground faction known as The Order of the Dragon.
As Rico’s journey takes him into the heart of a small, volatile Serbian town, his mission becomes anything but straightforward. The deeper he goes, the more he questions the morality of his task. Is Ryker truly the villain he has been led to believe, or is there a larger conspiracy designed to silence both men?
Expect a dark, gritty narrative where morality is blurred, alliances shift without warning, and loyalty comes at the highest cost.
Is Order of the Dragon Worth Watching?
For fans of international action cinema, the answer is a resounding yes.
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Steven Seagal’s Return: His first major film appearance since Beyond the Law (2019).
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Ron Smoorenburg in the Spotlight: Known for Who Am I? and Triple Threat, he brings both credibility and intensity to the lead role.
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Mark Stas Breakout: The Belgian martial artist has built a loyal following and now steps into one of his biggest roles yet.
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Old-School Action Vibes: Practical fight choreography, hand-to-hand combat, and explosive set pieces make this a love letter to ’80s and ’90s action classics.
With a proven director at the helm and a seasoned cast ready to deliver, Order of the Dragon looks set to appeal to both hardcore martial arts fans and mainstream action audiences.
Why Should You Watch Order of the Dragon?
This isn’t just another action film—it’s a celebration of international martial arts cinema.
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It revives the retro spirit of VHS-era action films while updating the genre with modern production values.
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It unites global action stars from Hollywood, Europe, and Asia, giving it a broad international appeal.
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It explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival, wrapped in a tightly-paced narrative that balances character development with relentless action.
Whether you grew up watching Seagal or are discovering Ron Smoorenburg and Mark Stas for the first time, Order of the Dragon offers a blend of nostalgia and fresh energy.
Cast and Characters
The ensemble cast showcases both veterans and rising stars of martial arts cinema.
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Steven Seagal as Mason Ryker – A mysterious figure tied to the underground unit known as The Order of the Dragon.
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Ron Smoorenburg as John Rico – An elite assassin with a final mission that forces him to confront both enemies and his own morality.
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Mark Stas – Known as “The Belgian Bruce Lee”, he joins the international stage with one of his most significant roles to date.
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Michael Paré – Veteran actor bringing gravitas and intensity to the supporting cast.
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Michel Qissi – Best remembered for his role as Tong Po in Kickboxer, he adds a touch of martial arts legacy.
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Alona Hertha – Rounding out the cast, adding international balance and presence.
This mixture of fresh energy and established names ensures the film appeals to a broad range of action fans.
Production and Development
The film is a joint production between Dream Team Pictures and Filmworkers, continuing a trend of international collaboration in the action genre.
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Filming Location: Belgrade, Serbia – chosen for its cinematic urban landscapes and cost-effective production opportunities.
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Director: Vjekoslav Katusin, recognized for blending gritty realism with high-impact action sequences.
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Schedule: Filming begins September 2025, with the release set for 2026.
Director Katusin has praised Mark Stas as a standout talent, calling him “a valuable addition” who would deliver “the performance of his life.” This statement highlights the film’s emphasis on authentic martial arts talent and the director’s commitment to elevating the genre beyond standard action formulas.
Reception and Critical Buzz (Pre-Release)
While Order of the Dragon has yet to premiere, the early buzz is strong.
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Action fans are excited about Seagal’s return after a long absence.
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Martial arts communities are buzzing about Mark Stas’s rise to prominence and his dynamic fight choreography.
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Genre outlets such as maactioncinema.com have already positioned the film as a throwback to the golden era of action cinema.
If the finished product delivers on its promise, it could become a standout in the modern action landscape, bridging the gap between nostalgia and contemporary filmmaking.
Legacy and Impact (Anticipated)
If successful, Order of the Dragon could mark several milestones:
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Steven Seagal’s Comeback: A chance to re-establish his relevance in international action cinema.
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Mark Stas’s Breakthrough: Cementing his reputation as a global action star.
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International Action Collaborations: Demonstrating the power of cross-European productions in reaching global audiences.
Given the talent assembled and the enthusiasm already surrounding the project, the film has the potential to become a cult favorite among martial arts enthusiasts and a mainstream success for broader action fans.
Order of the Dragon (2026) FAQ
When will Order of the Dragon be released?
The film is scheduled for release in 2026 after filming in late 2025.
Where is it being filmed?
Principal filming will take place in Belgrade, Serbia, beginning September 2025.
Who stars in the film?
The cast includes Steven Seagal, Ron Smoorenburg, Mark Stas, Michael Paré, Michel Qissi, and Alona Hertha.
What makes this film special?
It combines classic martial arts action with modern production values, bringing together both legends and rising stars.
Is this Steven Seagal’s comeback?
Yes, it marks his first major feature since Beyond the Law (2019).
Conclusion
Order of the Dragon (2026) is shaping up to be more than just another action film—it’s a return to the roots of martial arts cinema with a modern edge. Combining Seagal’s iconic screen presence, Smoorenburg’s intensity, and Stas’s breakthrough performance, the movie blends nostalgia with fresh energy.
With international production backing, a director committed to authenticity, and a cast ready to deliver pulse-pounding performances, the film is already one of the most anticipated action releases on the horizon. If it lives up to expectations, it could revitalize the careers of its stars while reminding audiences why they fell in love with action films in the first place.
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