Alan Ritchson is having a banner year, and he's not slowing down. After dominating streaming with his role as Jack Reacher and headlining the sci-fi blockbuster War Machine, the actor is set to unleash his next adrenaline-fueled project on the big screen. Runner, a high-stakes action thriller, races into theaters this Friday, September 11, 2026.
Directed by Scott Waugh, known for his work on high-octane films, Runner pairs Ritchson with comedy veteran Owen Wilson, a casting choice that promises an intriguing dynamic. The film follows a former soldier who becomes embroiled in a desperate mission to deliver a critical medical supply, with a ruthless cartel hot on his trail. Every second counts as he and his unlikely partner navigate a deadly manhunt, where betrayal lurks around every corner.
The movie's official synopsis sets the stage: "A former soldier (Ritchson) is thrown into a brutal race against time when a critical medical delivery makes him and his unlikely partner (Wilson) the targets of a ruthless cartel. As the mission spirals into a deadly manhunt, every detour, delay, and bullet pushes them closer to failure. With betrayal closing in from every side, they must survive the chase and deliver their cargo to save the life of a little girl."
Ritchson's rise to action stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. While he first gained fame as a TV star, he's now a bona fide movie leading man. Earlier this year, he starred in the nearly dialogue-free thriller Motor City alongside Shailene Woodley, which has since found a home on VOD. But it was War Machine that truly cemented his blockbuster status, racking up over 135 million views on Netflix and earning a spot in the platform's top 10. A sequel, War Machines, is already in the works.
Despite mixed early reviews, with Runner currently sitting at a 57% score on Rotten Tomatoes, fans of the genre are eager to see Ritchson in action once more. The film also features a supporting cast that includes Rodrigo Santoro, Leila George, and Kate Box, adding depth to the high-octane narrative.
For those who can't get enough of Ritchson's action heroics, there's more on the horizon. He's set to team up with Arnold Schwarzenegger for the Christmas-themed action comedy The Man with the Bag, which is slated for a December 2 release. That's a pairing that's sure to generate buzz.
If you're a fan of the genre, you might also want to check out Joel Kinnaman's underrated thriller that's hitting Hulu this month, or revisit the 1990s' most thrilling action movies for a dose of nostalgia. And for those who can't get enough of Ritchson's TV work, Reacher Season 4 remains a streaming sensation worth catching up on.
Runner is set to deliver a relentless ride filled with chases, gunfights, and the kind of tension that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a die-hard Ritchson fan or just looking for a thrilling escape, this one promises to deliver. Stay tuned for more updates as the film hits theaters nationwide this weekend.
