The “Desi Girl” goes R-rated in a gritty 19th-century pirate thriller; first images show a blood-soaked showdown with ‘The Boys’ star Karl Urban.
January 8, 2026: Priyanka Chopra Jonas is trading the high-tech espionage of Citadel for the high-seas carnage of the late 1800s. On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Prime Video and Esquire released the explosive first-look images for The Bluff, an R-rated action thriller that promises a de-glamorized, “scary and brutal” look at pirate history.
Sharing the stills on her Instagram, Priyanka introduced her character with a punchy three-word description: “Mother. Protector. Pirate. Meet Bloody Mary.”
First Look: A Clash of Titans
The images confirm that The Bluff is not your typical “yo-ho-ho” adventure.
- The Stand-off: The primary image captures a mid-air Priyanka, weapon raised, lunging at co-star Karl Urban (The Boys). Urban, portraying the narcissistic Captain Connor, is seen blocking her blow with a sword amidst a rugged, windswept coastline.
- The “Butcher” Vibe: Another striking shot shows Priyanka drenched in blood and dirt, clutching a conch shell as a makeshift weapon—a detail that led fans on social media to dub her the “Desi Butcher.”
- The Research: Priyanka revealed to Esquire that she prepared by studying real-life female pirate captains, aiming for a portrayal that reflects the “bloody and brutal” reality of the era rather than the fantasy often seen in cinema.
The Plot: A Mother’s Redemption
Set in the Caribbean (specifically the Cayman Islands), The Bluff follows Ercell “Bloody Mary” Bodden, a former pirate queen who has built a quiet life with her family.
| Character | Actor | Role |
| Ercell “Bloody Mary” | Priyanka Chopra Jonas | An ex-pirate forced to return to her violent roots. |
| Captain Connor | Karl Urban | Mary’s former lover and vengeful ex-captain. |
| T.H. | Ismael Cruz Córdova | Mary’s husband and the island’s protector. |
| Quartermaster Lee | Temuera Morrison | Connor’s advisor and strategist. |
When Connor’s crew descends on the island seeking payback for gold Mary allegedly stole years ago, she is thrust into a deadly game of survival. The film highlights her maternal instincts, with Priyanka noting that being a mother in real life helped her tap into Ercell’s “ferocious” protective nature.
Behind the Scenes: A Powerhouse Team
The project marks a significant reunion for Priyanka and the Russo Brothers (Anthony and Joe Russo), who previously collaborated on the global spy hit Citadel.
- Director: Frank E. Flowers (Bob Marley: One Love), a native of the Cayman Islands, wrote the script with Joe Ballarini.
- Authenticity: Flowers emphasized his desire to tell a “Caribbean story from a Caribbean perspective,” leaning into the dark, Mafia-like dynamics of 19th-century pirate syndicates.
- The Shoot: Filming concluded in August 2025 in the Caymans, with Priyanka frequently sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of her rigorous stunt training.