Nicky Whelan talks ‘The Flood’

Nicky Whelan as “Sheriff Newman” in the action thriller, THE FLOOD, a Saban Films release. Photo courtesy of Saban Films.

Nicky Whelan (Maneater) is back to fight off another treacherous beast in the ultimate prison action/horror, The Flood.

Synopsis: After a massive hurricane floods Louisiana, it unleashes a threat even deadlier than the rising water level: a relentless horde of giant hungry alligators. When a group of in-transit prisoners and their security guards seek shelter in a local prison, they become prey for the flesh-eating attackers. To survive, the prisoners and guards must fight together, in this action-thriller packed with slithery scares and jaw-clenching suspense.

The Flood is directed by Brandon Slagle (Frost, The Dawn) and co-written by Chad Law (Section 8, Close Range, 6 Bullets) and Josh Ridgway (The Sector, Howlers). The film stars Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers, Alita: Battle Angel, Sleepy Hollow), Nicky Whelan (Hall Pass, Halloween II) and Louis Mandylor (The Debt Collector, Rambo: Last Blood, Suckers).

Check out our interview with Nicky:

Director’s Statement

I will cut right to the chase with this one, no boring, over-thought, bordering-on-pretentious literary quotes or elitist film theory references. This movie is meant for one thing and one thing only –for the AUDIENCE TO HAVE A GREAT TIME AT THE MOVIES. 

There’s no agenda here. There’s no deeper meaning. It’s far from politically correct, the way mom used to make them. It’s a rip-roaring, foul-mouthed, down-and-dirty ride. Man versus Beast –or BEASTS. This is the kind of movie you want to make sure you order the largest plate of nachos to enjoy while you watch, coupled with the most sugary soda possible, or your choice of adult beverage –and I say this as someone who was cursed with the alcoholism gene and is now sober. I’m willing to bely my sobriety to endorse the consumption of liquor while watching my movie. Maybe even make a drinking game of it –every time there’s an “F bomb” or a gator snaps his jaws at one of the prisoners that make up the rag-tag group of protagonists here, take a shot. 

Heck, take TWO shots. 

Seriously guys, if you don’t get it at this point –this movie is meant to make you feel like a kid sneaking into an R-rated Sunday matinee. 

The Flood was written by my long-time friend Chad Law with his writing partner Josh Ridgway. We all share the same love for 80s and 90s action cinema –and this is just one example of a nick off of the bucket list. We all grew up on brawny Arnold Schwarzenegger actioners, the movies you’d see late night on the USA channel, or the output from the fondly remembered Cannon films. The characters are essentially archetypes –they are not meant to change the world or alter your stance on any various social issues. No, they’re here to take you on the ride with them. They’re here to make your bad day at work have a happy ending. 

I could go on and on –but I think at this point, you get the point of my borderline obnoxious rambling. Pop open a drink, grab a handful of slimy nachos, and just have a great time watching THE FLOOD!

Bear Williams as “Angelo Cooper” in the action thriller, THE FLOOD, a Saban Films release. Photo courtesy of Saban Films.
The Flood will be released in Theaters, On Demand and Digital on July 14.
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