Ray Stevenson, most recently seen by global audiences as the lead antagonist in SS Rajamouli’s epic and celebrated awards season standout “RRR,” and earlier as Volstagg in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films “Thor,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” and in his roles in “Punisher: War Zone,” “Vikings,” has joined the cast of “1242: Gateway To The West” alongside Eric Roberts (“Runaway Train,” “Inherent Vice”), Michael Ironside  (“Nobody,” “Top Gun,” “Starship Troopers”), Neil Stuke (“Sliding Doors,” “Game On”), David Schofield (“Gladiator,” “Pirates of the Caribbean”), Jeremy Neumark-Jones (“Jezebel,” “Denial”), and Genevieve Florence (“Avenue 5,” “The Phantom of the Opera”).
“1242: Gateway To The West” is an epic historical drama that follows a profoundly spiritual man (Jeremy Neumark-Jones) of Hungarian Castle Esztergom who must confront and halt the Great Mongolian Army led by Batu Khan, grandson of Ghengis Khan (Mongolian actor Bold Choimbol) from invading Europe in 1242, ultimately causing their downfall. These two men represent two very different cultures with no common ground. The story focuses on their unlikely meeting during the Mongolian Lunar New Year when hostilities are paused. Inside Esztergom Castle, the people of the area huddle and await the next step–either fight or surrender — as Papal Legate Cesareani (Ray Stevenson), a secret Mongol ally, arrives.
The international co-production between the UK-Hungary-Mongolia-Australia is directed by veteran Hungarian director Péter Soós from the script written by Áron Horváth and Joan Lane. Bill Chamberlain and Kornél Sipos produce. Carlos Alperin, Paul Brett, Tim Smith, and Csaba Iski are executive producing. 




“What an incredible honor to welcome Ray Stevenson, a globally-recognized actor with an impressive range and undeniable charisma.”  Adds producer Kornél Sipos:  “Ray is the ideal lead for our movie ‘1242: Gateway to the West; his captivating performances in films like ‘RRR’ prove that beyond doubt! We are honored he’s come on board — together, we’ll craft something truly remarkable.” Producer Bill Chamberlain commented. Chamberlain went on to explain that Production on the International co-production is currently underway on location in Budapest. The project made international news last summer after the filmmakers chose to drop Kevin Spacey, who was initially cast, when the actor was charged in the U.K. with four counts of sexual assault.