The Last Warrior: Root of Evil
A Russian fantasy comedy sequel about ancient evil.
The Last Warrior: Root of Evil (Russian: Последний богатырь: Корень зла) is a 2021 Russian fantasy comedy film directed by Dmitry Dyachenko. It is the sequel to the 2017 film The Last Warrior (The Last Knight) and was produced by The Walt Disney Company CIS in collaboration with the Russian production company Yellow, Black and White. The film continues the story of Ivan Naydenov as he discovers the origins of an ancient evil threatening the fairy-tale land of Belogorie.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Dmitriy Dyachenko
- Producer
- Kakhaber Abashidze / Eduard Iloyan / Anton Zlatopolskiy (ru) / Vitaliy Shlyappo (ru) / Denis Zhalinskiy
- Writer
- Vitaliy Shlyappo / Dimitriy Yan / Vasiliy Kutsenko / Pavel Danilov / Igor Tudvasev
- Based On
- Russian: Bogatyr / English: Hero or Warrior
- Starring
- Viktor Khorinyak / Mila Sivatskaya / Ekaterina Vilkova / Elena Yakovleva / Konstantin Lavronenko / Sergey Burunov / Yelena Valyushkina / Kirill Zaytsev / Timofey Tribuntsev / Garik Kharlamov
- Music
- George Kallis
- Cinematography
- Pavel Kapinos
- Studio
- The Walt Disney Company CIS / Yellow, Black and White / Russia-1 / Cinema Fund Russia
- Distributor
- Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International
- Runtime
- 121 minutes
- Released
- 1 January 2021
- Country
- Russia
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The film follows Ivan Naydenov, who has settled into life as a bogatyr in the magical land of Belogorie, but frequently returns to modern Moscow using a treasure sword. He competes in hero trials against Finist the Falcon, using ingenuity rather than strength. The plot reveals that the villain Rogoleb, a root-based creature, was once the good sorcerer Belogor, betrayed by his student Mikula (who became Koschei the Immortal). Rogoleb seeks the treasure sword to fully return to life, and has turned people into servants, including Varvara and Galina.
Reader's Guide
The film is significant as a continuation of Disney's Russian fairy-tale franchise, blending modern Moscow with the epic world of Ancient Rus'. It expands the lore introduced in the first film, introducing new magical characters such as Kolobok (voiced by Garik Kharlamov) and exploring the origins of Koschei. Principal photography took place across multiple Russian regions, including Moscow Oblast, Karelia, Perm Krai, and Sochi National Park. The film was theatrically released on January 1, 2021, and was followed by a sequel later that year. Its legacy lies in its integration of traditional Russian folklore with contemporary comedy and visual effects.
Did You Know?
- Principal photography began in June 2019 and moved between Moscow Oblast, Republic of Karelia, Perm Krai, and the North Caucasus near Sochi.
- The film features Garik Kharlamov as the voice of Kolobok, a fairy-tale character.
- A sequel, The Last Warrior: A Messenger of Darkness, was released in December 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Last Warrior: Root of Evil?
It is a 2021 Russian fantasy comedy that serves as the sequel to the 2017 film The Last Warrior. The story tracks Ivan Naydenov as he uncovers the source of a primordial darkness threatening the fairy-tale realm of Belogorie.
Who directed and produced The Last Warrior: Root of Evil?
Dmitry Dyachenko directed the film, which was produced by The Walt Disney Company CIS in partnership with the Russian studio Yellow, Black and White.
What is the plot of The Last Warrior: Root of Evil about?
Ivan Naydenov sets out to trace the origins of an ancient evil that endangers the magical land of Belogorie. The narrative blends action-adventure with comedic beats as he confronts this long-dormant threat.
How does The Last Warrior: Root of Evil connect to the first movie?
It is a direct sequel to the 2017 film The Last Warrior (sometimes listed as The Last Knight), picking up Ivan's story in the same fairy-tale world and continuing his role as the realm's protector.
What genre and tone does The Last Warrior: Root of Evil have?
The film is classified as a fantasy comedy, mixing magical adventure and world-building with lighthearted humor throughout. It is a Russian production released in 2021.
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