As reported in Deadline, award-winning stunt coordinator and second unit director Scott Rogers (Tron: Ares, John Wick: Chapter 4) is set to direct the feature film adaptation of the New York Times bestselling novel One Second After by William R. Forstchen. The film, a co-production of MPI Original Films (Motherland, Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game) and Startling Inc. (House of Dragons, Game of Thrones), is scheduled to begin production this September in Sofia, Bulgaria. The adapted screenplay comes from legendary writer, producer, and director J. Michael Straczynski (Sense8, Jeremiah, Babylon 5).

Set in the hills of North Carolina, the story follows a college professor and former military officer John Matherson as he fights to preserve the lives of his family and neighbors in the wake of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack. In just one second, the United States is completely incapacitated, thousands are killed, and millions are stranded. Planes fall from the sky, electricity goes out everywhere, supply lines collapse, and transportation is limited to pre-digital-era vehicles and horses. Millions of travelers, unable to get home, wander the highways in search of shelter. In the resulting chaos, residents of John’s tight-knit community look to him to guide them through the difficult decisions that must be made if any of them are to survive.

With over three decades of experience in film and television, Rogers is known for his commanding visual style, intuitive storytelling instincts, and mastery of action. He has led second unit direction and stunt coordination on some of the most successful and visually ambitious films of our time, including Tron: Ares, John Wick: Chapter 4, Uncharted, Race to Witch Mountain, Mulan, Oz, and The Bourne Ultimatum. Having collaborated with many of the industry’s most respected filmmakers, Rogers has developed a signature approach that combines technical precision with cinematic flair. His work reflects a commitment to elevating every frame, making him a powerful force behind the camera—ready to deliver stories that resonate on both a visceral and emotional level.

MPI’s Rob Pfaltzgraff and Startling Inc.’s Matt Kennedy will produce, with MPI’s Nick Reid and William R. Forstchen serving as executive producers.