Fresh off the major announcement that he'll join the cast of The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, rising star Leo Woodall is gearing up for another major screen appearance much sooner. The actor, who captured audiences in The White Lotus, is set to headline the crime thriller Tuner, which is poised to be one of the standout films of 2026.
Mark Your Calendars: The 'Tuner' Release Plan
Audiences won't have to wait long to see Woodall's latest. Tuner is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on May 22, followed by a wider rollout on May 29. The film has already generated significant buzz from its festival run, where it earned an impressive 92% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics are hailing it as a "propulsive heist thriller" that skillfully mixes tension, charm, and drama, with many singling out Woodall's performance as a star-making turn.
What Is 'Tuner' About?
Directed by Oscar-winner Daniel Roher in his narrative feature debut, Tuner follows Niki (Woodall), a gifted piano tuner with an extraordinary sense of hearing. His rare talent catches the eye of criminals who recruit him for a dangerous new purpose: safecracking. While working across New York with his mentor, played by screen legend Dustin Hoffman, Niki forms a deep connection with a composition student named Ruthie (Havana Rose Liu). The film explores how his illicit activities threaten this budding romance and pull him into a perilous world.
The ensemble cast is a major draw, featuring acclaimed actors like Tovah Feldshuh, Lior Raz, and Jean Reno. The production is a fully independent effort from Black Bear, with a top-tier creative team including executive music producer Marius de Vries and Oscar-winning sound designer Johnnie Burn.
Leo Woodall's Meteoric Rise
Woodall's career is accelerating at a breathtaking pace. While he's become a household name thanks to The White Lotus, and is now set for a major franchise role in Middle-earth, Tuner represents a crucial step in establishing his leading-man credentials in feature films. The critical praise suggests he's more than up to the task, anchoring a genre-bending story that promises to be both intelligent and thrilling.
For fans of tightly wound, character-driven suspense, Tuner appears to be a must-see. If you're looking for more expertly crafted tension, check out our list of The 10 Most Flawless Thrillers Since 2004 or explore the psychological depth of Korean Thrillers That Will Haunt You.
What's Next for the Star?
After Tuner provides audiences with their next Woodall fix, the actor will journey to Middle-earth for The Hunt for Gollum. That highly anticipated film will see him starring alongside Jamie Dornan, with returning icons like Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, and Andy Serkis, who is also directing.
For now, all eyes are on May 22. With its unique premise, stellar cast, and glowing early reviews, Tuner is shaping up to be one of the year's most compelling cinematic experiences. It's a film that promises to deliver not just high-stakes action, but also the kind of vivid character work and smart humor that separates great thrillers from the rest. Be sure to catch it when it arrives in theaters.
