Straight from the comics to the mean streets of Los Angeles comes veteran Hollywood producer Patrick Durhan’s action packed sequel to 2011’s “Cross”– “Cross Wars”.

Given incredible power by an ancient Celtic Cross, Callan [Brian Austin Green] and his team of weapons experts continue to wage war against the forces of evil in Los Angeles. But when a ruthless villain named Muerte (played by Danny Trejo) threatens to kill his crew, Callan and his team must join forces with an all-girl crime-fighting squad to help save the day.

What they don’t realize is that Muerte is not working alone. He’s resurrected the evil immortal Gunnar (Vinnie Jones) who has a plan more sinister than anyone can imagine. Can Callan and his team prevent the looming apocalypse and save humanity? The superhero adventure was released on February 7 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and also stars Tom Sizemore and Amy Jane.

Durham wrote, produced, directed and stars in the offbeat, action-packed sequel and is known for being one of Hollywood’s most in demand horror film producers. He’s also the genius behind such films as “Creepshow Raw,” “Tooth and Nail” and “Cabin Fever 2”.

I recently spoke with him about “Cross Wars” and more in this exclusive new interview.

Where did the idea for “Cross” begin?

I’ve always been a fan of superheroes and one day decided that I’d love to see a Celtic-themed one. I’ve always liked the idea of Green Lantern’s ring and Iron Man’s chest plate. Heroes that have things with power, but that power can eventually run out. It’s the reason why Callan’s cross also runs out of power. It makes him more human by proving that he’s not invincible.

How would you describe the story of “Cross Wars”?

Vinnie Jones is back as Gunnar. He’s a villain who’s cursed to live forever and as a result, he wants to kill everyone on Earth because it’s the only way he can die. Callan and his team are out to get him but they also understand that that they can’t kill him because he’ll only come back. So, they have to figure out a way to imprison him before he can destroy the world. Things get very crazy in end. In the first film, Michael Clarke Duncan’s character was running L.A. Michael who was a great guy who sadly passed away. Danny Trejo had a cameo in the first film and he came back for this one.

What was the writing process like?

The first film we wrote and developed and changed up a little bit along the way. It was a great success. The new film has so many interesting characters to it. We’ve got 6-7 lead females and 6-7 lead Cross guys. We’re going to do a part three which will be a very dark finish to the franchise.

What’s it like working with Brian Austin Green?

We actually wrote the series with him in mind. Brian’s such a nice guy and a great actor who does his own stunts. He’s a legend who’s so great with improve and timing.

You wore so many hats on this film: writer, director, producer and actor. What were some of the biggest challenges?

There are at least fifty things that you’re doing all at the same time. Everything from finding locations to dealing with talent agents. That’s when you suddenly find yourself on set directing and remember, “Wow! I forgot I’ve got lines in this scene!” [laughs].

What else can you tell me about the next film in the franchise?

In  “Cross Wars”,  Danny Trejo’s character reveals a new villain with a new amulet. He’s going to be downright, scary, dirty and awful and a lot more violent. If things fall into place, we’re likely to start filming in the next few months. 

 Was a career in entertainment something you always aspired to do?

Yes! From the first time I saw “Star Wars” and “Raiders of The Lost Ark”. That was when I said, “That’s it. Nothing else will do.” I grew up in the Carolinas and moved to California when I was 18. Forty-six movies later and I’m still doing it.

What’s your role as a producer?

I have a lot of celebrity friends. My job is usually to bring in the celebrities and the money, which are the hardest things to get. That’s my specialty.

Are there any other projects you’re working on right now?

I’m working on a few horror films right now. I’m also working with Victor Miller, who created the original “Friday the 13^th”. He and I are going to start work on a film together in the next year. 

What do you enjoy most about the creative process?

When you see the finished film. That’s when you can look up and say, “Wow! We actually created that!” There are a lot of actors that have passed on, but when you see them on screen every day it’s like they’re still alive. Once you do a movie, it’s like you live forever.