Showbiz
Movie Celebrates Everyday Heroism of Firefighters
18 countries worldwide, outpacing major studio blockbusters. Currently in post-production,
The Last Firefighter is scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2026. Paul said the project also reflects
a broader mission: to bring film pro- duction back to the United States. The backdrops of the movie
Jon Voight and Kelsey Grammer spotlight their courage and healing in wake of L.A. wildfires.
W BY MARISA HERMAN
atching firefight- ers risk everything to save lives, pets, and treasured possessions
as wildfires roiled across California in January, veteran film producer Steven Paul felt compelled to capture their courage on screen — and tell a story about modern heroes right where their impact is felt most. Starring Academy Award-winner
Jon Voight and Emmy Award-winner Kelsey Grammer, The Last Firefighter explores resilience, redemption, and the heroism of everyday life as two retired firefighters confront their past in Los Angeles. “They don’t get enough attention,”
Paul said of our nation’s firefighters. “People will enjoy [the film] because our firefighters are obviously so impor- tant and our modern-day heroes.” The movie blends action, spiritu- ality, and even a love story that is
62 NEWSMAX | NOVEMBER 2025
brought to life with a star-studded cast including Jesse Kove, Jessica Lord, Ben Milliken, Teddy Van Ee, Lurie Poston, Eloise Jacott, and Bonnie Paul — alongside real firefighters who appear as extras. In the same way firefighters are fam-
ily, the film was a family affair for Paul. He called it a “family-inspired
project” that they have been thinking about for many years. His relatives all contributed portions to the final product and helped develop it into an uplifting, feel-good movie. “Working on The Last Firefighter
was a joy,” said Voight. “It’s a film about courage, healing, and sec- ond chances, which are values that audiences everywhere can connect with, especially in a city that has just endured devastating wildfires.” The completion of filming follows
the success of SP Media Group’s Man With No Past, which reached the No. 1 spot on Paramount+ in
will look familiar to Californians as scenes were filmed along Man- hattan Beach, El Segundo Fire Station 2, and at the group’s newly acquired Avenue Six Studios in Van Nuys. Scott Karol, president of SP Media Group/Atlas Comics and an execu- tive producer on the film, said the production “reflects our commit- ment to keeping film jobs local, sup- porting small businesses, and prov- ing that LA can remain the heartbeat of American moviemaking.” Paul, Karol, and Voight have been advocating to strengthen American filmmaking through the renewal and expansion of Section 181 (the CREATE Act), the only federal tax incentive supporting U.S.-based productions. The production’s local impact
was felt in ways both big and small. A representative from the Directors Guild of America thanked the team personally for keeping the project in Los Angeles. A crew medic who also serves as a
Los Angeles County firefighter pre- sented Paul with an official LAFD hat in gratitude for telling their story — an emotional moment that left the producer in tears. The firefighters at El Segundo Fire
Station 2 weren’t just in the back- ground. They also served as consul- tants and were dedicated to ensuring that their portrayal on the big screen be as accurate as possible. Karol said they rushed out with
barber clippers when they noticed an actor’s moustache was in breach of policy. In another scene, the fire chief on duty ensured that Voight was wearing the correct hat while responding to a call.
EIN PRESSWIRE
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