For over a decade, Chad Michael Collins has been synonymous with the Sniper film franchise, embodying the role of ace marksman Brandon Beckett with a mix of grit, intensity, and charisma. Now, with Sniper: The Last Stand, he returns to the battlefield in a new and evolving role—one that sees him not only as a formidable sharpshooter but also as a leader training the next generation of elite soldiers. Directed by Danishka Esterhazy, the action-packed thriller follows Beckett and Agent Zero (Ryan Robbins) as they take on a high-stakes mission to stop an arms dealer from unleashing a deadly superweapon in Costa Verde. With an untested sniper under his wing, Beckett must navigate a new challenge: giving orders instead of receiving them. As the team’s time and ammo run low, survival becomes the ultimate objective.
The Sniper series, originally launched in 1993 with Tom Berenger in the lead, has remained a staple of action cinema, growing into a franchise that continues to attract audiences worldwide. Collins first joined the series with Sniper: Reloaded (2011), playing the son of Berenger’s legendary Marine sniper. Over the years, he has helped revitalize the franchise, starring in multiple sequels—including Sniper: Legacy, Sniper: Ghost Shooter, Sniper: Ultimate Kill, Sniper: Assassin’s End, and Sniper: Rogue Mission. His return in Sniper: The Last Stand, set to release digitally on January 21 and on DVD on January 28 via Sony Pictures, is yet another testament to his commitment to the role and the enduring appeal of the series.
Getting the opportunity to speak with Collins about Sniper: The Last Stand was an absolute pleasure. His enthusiasm for the franchise is infectious, and it’s clear he takes great pride in bringing Brandon Beckett’s story to life. What makes his journey even more compelling is that Collins initially started out in Hollywood as a publicist before making the leap into acting. Since then, he has built an impressive career spanning film, television, and even the video game industry.
My interest in interviewing Collins wasn’t just about his work in Sniper—it was also a bit personal. My cousin Brayden is a huge Call of Duty fan, and since Collins famously portrayed the character Alex (Echo 3-1) in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Warzone, I knew this interview would mean something special. Brayden has always been a big supporter of my work, and it’s always rewarding to get his feedback after these kinds of conversations.
Beyond Sniper, Collins has been making waves in Hollywood with his latest project, Edge of Space. The upcoming thriller has been generating a lot of buzz and is currently being shortlisted as a strong contender for an Oscar nomination in 2025. While he has long been known for his action roles, this film could further solidify his standing as a versatile and talented actor capable of tackling more dramatic material.
Throughout his career, Collins has seamlessly transitioned between action-packed military thrillers, sci-fi horror, and even voice-over work. His filmography includes roles in Dead Zone, The Bunker, and Assailant, as well as television appearances in Creepshow, MacGyver, NCIS, and Once Upon a Time. His ability to embody characters in high-intensity situations has made him a go-to actor for military and action films, but he’s also proven he can bring depth and nuance to his performances.
With Sniper: The Last Stand ready to hit screens and Edge of Space potentially making waves during awards season, Chad Michael Collins is in an exciting phase of his career. Whether he’s leading an elite sniper unit, voicing a beloved video game character, or taking on more dramatic roles, his dedication to his craft is evident. Speaking with him reinforced just how passionate he is about storytelling, and it’ll be exciting to see what he takes on next.
Jessie Hobson