Runner (2026)

Directed by Scott Waugh and written by Mark Gibson and Philip Halprin, the American action thriller feature Runner made its wide theatrical debut on September 11, 2026, distributed by Angel Studios. Produced by AAR Films and Thunder Road Pictures, the 102-minute film stars Alan Ritchson alongside Owen Wilson and Kevin Bacon. The film achieved strong box office results and enthusiastic audience responses, praised for its high-concept real-time thriller premise, intense physical stunt sequences, comedic chemistry between lead stars Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson, and relentless action pacing. WHERE TO WATCH & STREAMING AVAILABILITY Runner is available in major movie theater chains nationwide, including AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, Cinemark, and Marcus Theatres. Following its exclusive theatrical run, the feature will stream on Angel Studios digital platform, with digital transactional video-on-demand release across major storefronts like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google TV, and Fandango at Home. Physical home media releases, including 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray collector editions, are managed by Angel Studios home entertainment distribution. INTRIGUING FACTS & TRIVIA The film marks the first major action thriller collaboration between Reacher star Alan Ritchson and comedic veteran Owen Wilson, pairing intense muscle action with sharp observational humor. Director Scott Waugh, known for directing high-octane action films like Act of Valor, Need for Speed, and Expend4bles, utilized real-time narrative pacing to keep the audience directly in sync with the countdown clock. Principal photography took place on location across London, utilizing real city streets, metro networks, and landmark urban corridors to execute practical high-speed vehicle chases and foot pursuits. BACKSTORY & THEMATIC ANALYSIS The narrative follows Hank (Alan Ritchson), a high-level courier and former special forces operative specializing in high-stakes transport across hostile territories. Hank receives a life-or-death assignment from an enigmatic broker named Julian (Owen Wilson) to deliver a organ transport cooler containing a critical medical asset across London within a strict three-hour window to save a young girl's life. As Hank begins his run, a rogue mercenary syndicate led by a ruthless warlord (Kevin Bacon) intercepts the route, seeking to steal the asset for rival black-market buyers. Trapped in a high-tech game of cat and mouse through crowded subway stations, urban rooftops, and traffic-congested highways, Hank must rely on sheer physical endurance, improvisational combat tactics, and Julian's real-time remote surveillance guidance to survive lethal ambushes and complete his mission before the timer runs out. Thematically, Runner explores self-sacrifice, redemption under extreme pressure, trust between strangers, and human resilience. By placing its protagonist against a relentless clock, the story highlights how clarity of purpose and selfless determination can push an individual past physical limits to protect innocent life. BEHIND-THE-SCENES INSIGHTS Director Scott Waugh collaborated with stunt coordinator JJ Perry to design practical, continuous-shot foot chases and hand-to-hand combat encounters that emphasize Alan Ritchson's physical power. The camera department utilized lightweight, handheld IMAX digital camera rigs to run alongside performers through tight urban spaces and underground train cars, creating an immersive, kinetic visual style. Through its star power, real-time suspense, and practical action set pieces, Runner stands as an exhilarating modern entry in the high-stakes survival action genre.