‘She Rides Shotgun’: Taron Egerton, director Nick Rowland reflect on emotional depth of upcoming thriller
The world of entertainment seems all set to deliver a masterpiece as the upcoming action-thriller “She Rides Shotgun,” starring Taron Egerton and young talent Ana Sophia Heger, is gearing up for a limited theatrical release on August 1 courtesy of Lionsgate and Fifth Season. Adapted from Jordan Harper’s celebrated novel, the film dives into a raw and heartfelt tale of a father and daughter fighting to survive — and to connect — amid chaos and danger.
In the movie, Egerton takes on the role of Nate, an ex-convict fresh out of prison, who embarks on a perilous journey with his 11-year-old daughter, Polly, played by Heger. On the run from a corrupt sheriff and a vicious gang leader, Nate and Polly must rely on each other to make it through. As Nate teaches Polly the skills to survive, she, in turn, reveals to him the power of unconditional love. It’s a story that blends high-stakes action with a poignant exploration of family and redemption.
Egerton recently opened up about his time on set, describing it as a career highlight.
“I cannot recall a happier or more soul-enriching experience than making She Rides Shotgun,” Egerton shared. “It is without doubt the most tender and felt relationship I have had with an actor on screen.”
He added, “Ana Sophia Heger was ten when we made the film and she is nothing short of extraordinary.”
For the director, he had this to say: “In Nick Rowland, I found the kind of like-minded friend and collaborator that comes along once or twice in a lifetime.”
Egerton’s words reflect the deep bond formed during production, hinting at a chemistry with Heger that promises to resonate with audiences.
Rowland also offered insight into the film’s emotional landscape.
“Working on She Rides Shotgun was about honoring Jordan Harper’s brutal, beautiful novel while finding a cinematic language that could carry both its savagery and its soul,” the movie’s director said.
“The film is about two people—strangers, really—who find a way to become a real family in the most brutal of circumstances.”
He added, “What moved me most was the emotional survival in it. There’s tenderness in the trauma. That’s what I wanted to explore — how love can grow even in the darkest places.”
Rowland’s vision underscores the film’s unique balance of grit and grace, setting it apart as more than just a typical thriller.
Lionsgate and Fifth Season, in partnership with Waypoint Entertainment, Makeready and Super Frog, are bringing this powerful story to life. The buzz is already building, with Lionsgate’s EVP and co-head of Acquisitions & Co-Productions, Lauren Bixby, praising the lead performances, saying, “It’s rare to find a film where an already acclaimed actor does something so extraordinary that you take notice, but with She Rides Shotgun, Taron Egerton’s harmonic collaboration with young actress Ana Sophia Heger permeates every scene of this dramatic thrill ride.”
With its compelling narrative and standout cast, “She Rides Shotgun” is shaping up to be a must-see release this summer. Fans of intense action and moving drama alike will want to mark their calendars for August 1, when Nate and Polly’s story hits the big screen, albeit limited in number.
Featured image is a cropped version of a photo that shows Taron Egerton speaking at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California; Date: July 19, 2019; Attribution: Gage Skidmore; Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/albums/72157709798674486; License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)
