| “ | That's him. Attila. A born killer. Real pro. Not some bum we picked off the street. He likes to toy with his opponents, give them hope. Then he tears them appart. | „ |
| ~ Russell speaking about Attila to the French Legionnaires. |
Russell is the secondary antagonist of the 1990 film Lionheart. He serves as Cynthia Caldera's right-hand man.
He was portrayed by actor and bodybuilder Brian Thompson, who also played Shao Kahn in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation and the Night Slasher in Cobra.
Biography[]
Russel was the right-hand and lover of Cynthia Caldera. They organized underground fights for the rich and make money from the bets. Russel's job was finding fighters across the world and introducing them to Cynthia so they could fight for them. He was also in charge of her security as well as watching over their fighters.
At some point they came across and old partner of theirs named Joshua and a fighter from France named Lyon Gaultier who was desperate to find some money in order to help his recently killed brother's wife and daughter. Russell initially told them to go as it was bad timing but as Joshua insisted he agreed to let them meet Cynthia. At that time their fighter, Sonny was brutally beating another fighter. Lyon easily defeated Sonny and took his place as Cynthia's new fighter. Russell brought many capable fighters from across the world, including Scotland and Brazil to fight Lyon who continued to win and became famous in the inner circle of rich people who were interested in fighting and bets. However, Lyon didn't tell them the reason he wanted the money which made Cynthia suspicious causing her to order Russell to spy on him and Joshua. As Lyon fought two French Legionnaires who came to take him back (as he was a deserter) Russell arrived and saved him. Lyon realized that Russell was spying on him but had no choice but to follow him as cops were on their way.
Some time later, making use of Lyon's winning streak, Russell recruited another fighter named Attila, with the reputation of being undefeated and brutal, even having killed eight fighters. He also made a deal with the French Legionnaires, secretly from Lyon, to turn him over to them after his supposed defeat to Attila. Even though they pretended to be with Lyon's side, they both bet against him. Despite taking a brutal beating, Lyon managed to gain the upper hand, infuriating Russell who ordered Attilla to win, forcing Lyon to kick Russell in the face and knock him down. Lyon won causing Cynthia and Russell to lose their money and leave in shame.