The suspenseful and gritty world of Armstrong returns in a gripping sequel titled Armstrong: Dark Secrets, which premiered exclusively on Amazon Prime on Friday, September 19, 2025. Building on the legacy of its award-winning predecessor, this highly anticipated follow-up dives even deeper into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival, delivering intense action and raw emotion that keeps viewers locked in from beginning to end.
The original Armstrong became a global indie success story, earning over a dozen international awards including Best Feature Film at the American Independent Film Festival, Art Film Awards, Bridgefest Vancouver, Critics’ Choice Awards, Santa Monica Film Festival, Shockfest, Tokyo International Film Festival, and Top Indie Awards. It was celebrated for Best Director, Best Ensemble, Best Music, and Best Narrative Feature, securing its place as a standout in independent filmmaking. The first film even soared to the number one spot on Tubi, maintaining its position as the platform’s most popular film for three consecutive weeks.
Now, Armstrong: Dark Secrets raises the bar once again. The story follows Sneek, played by Christian Menace, as he faces the haunting truths that resurface after taking down his greatest enemy. When a vengeful brother, portrayed by Kaamel Hasaun, emerges from the shadows, every decision comes with deadly consequences. Bam, played by Jazz Anderson, will stop at nothing to protect her best friend Missy, portrayed by Gloria Prince, as the line between trust and betrayal grows dangerously thin. The film also introduces Sherhonda Gaulden, the mother of global rap star NBA YoungBoy, adding an unexpected cultural connection that strengthens the film’s authenticity and emotional depth.
For director Tray Williams, the journey of creating a sequel to such a highly regarded original came with both pressure and purpose.
“My biggest challenge with creating a sequel that elevated the stakes, style, and substance was really trying to outdo the first one,” he admitted. “To be honest, I was scared to even do another because the success of the first was so big. I’m not even a sequel-type filmmaker, so the real battle was just getting out of my own head. But usually, when I step aside and let the process happen, that’s when I create magic.”
Williams was intentional about balancing high-stakes action with the emotional heart of the story. “I already knew certain scenes that absolutely had to be in the film, and then I just filled in the gaps around them,” he shared. “With part two, I focused on pacing. I let the drama breathe and build until the action was truly necessary. That’s why it hits the way it does—it feels earned.”
The film also marks significant growth for Williams as a director. “This time, I really dove into my shot list and got specific about how I wanted each scene to look,” he explained. “There were so many emotional moments that required me to communicate differently with each actor. Everything just clicked—it felt magical watching it all come together.”
Actress and musician Jazz Anderson brings fire and authenticity to the role of Bam, a fiercely loyal friend with a heart of gold. “I loved playing Bam because every friend group has a Bam,” she said. “She’s that girlfriend who gives tough love and will ride for you no matter what. Bam and Missy’s friendship is real and authentic because I’m the Bam in my real-life friend group.” Anderson, known for her roles in Girl In The Closet and Haus of Vicious, said this project showed a more vulnerable side of her. “In Armstrong: Dark Secrets, viewers get to see a softer, more emotional version of me. Bam is caring and loving, but still honest and strong.”
For Sherhonda Gaulden, the film marks her official acting debut. “What drew me to Armstrong: Dark Secrets was how powerful and real the story felt,” she shared. “The first film had a message that stuck with me—it showed loyalty, pain, and survival in a way that was genuine and relatable. When I watched it, I knew I wanted to be part of what Tray was building.”
Stepping into acting gave Gaulden a chance to show a new side of herself. “Because of who my son is, people already have a certain image of me,” she said. “I wanted to show that I have my own story, my own strength, and my own voice. This role was about embracing growth and being unafraid to evolve.”
With strong performances, powerful storytelling, and a director determined to surpass his own legacy, Armstrong: Dark Secrets proves that independent cinema is thriving. It is a film that grips you with its action, moves you with its heart, and reminds you that sometimes, the deepest battles are the ones fought within.
