Scots bodybuilder turned Hollywood actor to star in China’s ‘most expensive’ movie

A Scots bodybuilder turned Hollywood actor is set to star in what’s rumoured to be the most expensive film ever made in Chinese history.

Bryan Larkin has been making remarkable strides on the international screen and his latest project will see him take a lead role in China’s first nuclear submarine-themed flick, Operation Hadal.

Widely recognised as Gerard Butler’s presidential-saving sidekick in the 2016 Hollywood blockbuster London Has Fallen, which also starred Tinsel Town great Morgan Freeman, Larkin is also credited opposite martial arts legend Donnie Yen in the 2017 Hong Kong film Chasing the Dragon, Squid Game’s Park Hae-soo in the Netflix series Narco-Saints and Chris Pine and Hugh Grant in the 2023 film Dungeons & Dragons.

Now, he is set to star in Operation Hadal, directed by Dante Lam—China’s most commercially successful action filmmaker in the leading Western role of Admiral Walter when the film is released all across Asia on Chinese New Year (January 29) and in the west on February 28.

The 51-year-old double BAFTA-award winning actor and filmmaker, originally from St Leonards, in East Kilbride, flew from his London home to Beijing and Hong Kong for a series of premieres this week.

Bryan, however, admits his ambitious career path has not been easy.

After leaving Claremont High School with average qualifications, he was forced to take a job in a factory in the Kelvin and work as a security guard at Rolls-Royce before turning to bodybuilding and becoming a competitive junior bodybuilder, winning several Scottish championships.

He found his passion for acting when he joined Strathclyde Theatre Group and, a few weeks later, found himself auditioning for drama school at Langside College.

He won his first BAFTA in 2006 for his short film Scene (2006) and the self-penned Running in Traffic (2009) won Larkin his second BAFTA and Trailblazer award.

While the plot of Operation Hadal remains mostly unknown, Larkin, hints that the film’s controversial plot, multi-language and inclusive casting could make it a hit on both sides of the pond.

He said: “The film is rumoured to be the most expensive film to ever be made in China and is also the country’s first ever nuclear submarine film.

“The producers even enlisted the support of the Chinese military to achieve its authenticity.”

Having worked and travelled across most of South East Asia for over five years now, Larkin has collaborated with major studios, streaming giant Netflix, worked with some of its biggest stars and met people who have embraced his Scottish roots.

He added: “The Chinese and South Koreans are incredibly curious and welcoming. They are proud of their country and they want foreigners to feel welcome, exchange cultures and learn Scottish history.

“It makes you proud to be Scottish.”

The Far East has offered him the kind of roles he was often missing out on in the UK and a chance audition for Donnie Yen, who chose him as the lead antagonist in Chasing the Dragon, set against the backdrop of the British occupation in Hong Kong, opened the door for him.

“I’ve learned to speak some Mandarin and Korean, which has been both a challenge and a door-opener – it was never something I ever thought I’d end up doing”, said Larkin.

“I usually play British or American characters, and mastering a variety of accents has helped me land leading roles. I’m hoping they will find a Scottish role one day. Speaking Chinese with a Scottish accent is now on my bucket list!”

Larkin’s impressive career includes roles in beloved Scottish productions like Outlander, Rebus, and Taggart. But, he’s also diving into ground-breaking new projects.

Two of his most anticipated roles are Canadian thriller Simon’s Reach where he plays a family man working undercover for the DEA who is left for dead after a drug deal gone wrong with nobody coming to save him.

And Jailbroken – a gritty prison drama written by Glaswegian screenwriter Raymond Friel. In the film, Larkin plays Joe, a convict nearing release who must rescue his kidnapped family from behind prison walls armed with only a mobile phone.

“Jailbroken is the most challenging of my career so far”, he remarked after spending months researching prison life and transforming his physique for the lead role.

The film explores themes of social and class inequality, racial prejudice, corruption, betrayal, and redemption. He will star alongside one of his early heroes and friend, David Hayman, known for his role as Jimmy Boyle in A Sense of Freedom and Trial and Retribution.

Reflecting on his journey, he continued: “Nothing has been plain sailing; nothing is certain but determination, resilience and finding my purpose and passion in life is paying off now.”

Larkin credits his late mother as his greatest supporter and inspiration, adding: “She believed in me when others mocked or dismissed my ambitions.

“It can be a tough and unforgiving profession. Her passing last year was a defining moment that continues to motivate me.”

From small roles in Scottish dramas to Hollywood blockbusters and now leading roles on the international scene, Bryan Larkin’s journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and an unshakable belief in chasing dreams and staying close to his Scots roots.

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