‘Onslaught’ Director Adam Wingard on Adding Kink to His Movie, Why the Bad Guys Look Like ICE Agents and Spending ‘A Decade Slaving Away in the Studio System’ Making ‘Godzilla’

Adam Wingard, the director behind the hit action film "Onslaught," has returned to his roots after a series of blockbuster productions. Born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, a so-called "secret city" where the Manhattan Project was developed, Wingard's work has often reflected the conspiratorial undertones of his hometown. Known for his genre-blending films like "Godzilla vs. Kong," Wingard's latest project, "Onslaught," sees him returning to his earlier style of smaller-scale, conspiracy-focused movies.

The film follows Celeste (Adria Arjona), a single mother and former soldier stranded in the New Mexico town of Moriarty. Using jack-o-lanterns for target practice, Celeste's life becomes entangled with a Nazi scientist and a program to turn soldiers into unstoppable killing machines. Wingard, who had previously worked on a third "Godzilla x Kong" film, faced a difficult decision when Legendary Studios wanted to move forward with the franchise.

After considering his options, including another "Godzilla" movie, a "Blair Witch" adaptation, and other big-budget projects, Wingard ultimately chose to make "Onslaught." The decision was influenced by life events, including becoming a parent and getting hit by a car while working on "Face/Off 2." This experience crystallized Wingard's desire to create personal, legacy movies that truly reflect his unique filmmaking style.

"Onslaught" serves as a platform for Wingard to explore themes of parenthood, dysfunction, and genre mash-ups, while also paying homage to his hometown and the conspiratorial undertones that have shaped his career.