Sam Medina

Sam Medina

Personal Details

Spouse
  • Carla Seneca

    ( Aug 25, 2017 to Dec 2, 2025 )
  • Jazzy Ellis

    ( Jul 6, 2012 to Oct 15, 2013 )

Biography

Samuel, a renowned filmmaker, has captivated audiences with his versatility in blockbuster films such as Olympus Has Fallen, Venom, and Alita: Battle Angel, showcasing his extensive experience in the industry spanning over 18 years.

Born in Ho Chi Minh City to a Vietnamese mother and a Honduran/Polynesian father, Samuel's unique heritage has undoubtedly influenced his creative approach to storytelling. Prior to his foray into the film industry, he spent years honing his skills in the music industry, producing rap and R&B music.

However, it was the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans that redirected his path. Samuel's charisma and enigmatic look eventually led him to the film industry, where he discovered his true calling. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge, he dedicated himself to learning from the best in the business.

For over 15 years, Samuel has had the privilege of working alongside legendary directors such as Oliver Stone, Robert Rodriguez, James Cameron, Antoine Fuqua, Martin Campbell, Edward Zwick, Peter Berg, and the late Tony Scott. He has assimilated the wisdom and expertise of these industry giants, incorporating their insights into his own unique style.

As an ambassador of diversity, Samuel is committed to empowering his actors, encouraging them to bring their authentic voices to the screen. His innovative and resourceful approach to filmmaking often yields unexpected results, making him a trailblazer in the industry.

As the Co-Founder of Overlook Entertainment, Samuel continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, bringing his distinctive vision to the world of cinema.

Career

2025
Play Dirty
Play Dirty as Ricky Lin
2021
2019
Stuber
Stuber as Goon (uncredited)
2018
Mile 22
Mile 22 as Axel
Venom
Venom as Shakedown Thug
2017
2016
Keanu
Keanu as Cartel Leader (uncredited)
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back as DC Policeman #2 (uncredited)
2015
Extraction
Extraction as Biker #2
Our Brand Is Crisis
Our Brand Is Crisis as Film Crew (uncredited)
2014
Elsa & Fred
Elsa & Fred as Taxi Cab Driver
Let's Be Cops
Let's Be Cops as Tough Guy
2013
Snitch
Snitch as Juan Carlos' Driver (uncredited)
Machete Kills
Machete Kills as Cartel Leader
2012
Dragon Eyes
Dragon Eyes as Biggie
Freelancers
Freelancers as Bodyguard #2 (uncredited)
Savages
Savages as Cartel Heist Driver
Looper
Looper as Chinese Thug (uncredited)
2011
The Chaperone
The Chaperone as Prison Guy
Arena
Arena as Mexican Bouncer
Blood Out
Blood Out as Squat
2010
Mothman
Mothman as Native American
Wrong Side of Town
Wrong Side of Town as Latino Gang Leader (uncredited)
Locked Down
Locked Down as Ernesto
Mandrake
Mandrake as Beast Warrior
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant as Madame Truska's Man (uncredited)
2008
Jump Out Boys
Jump Out Boys as Mexican Thug