Blab Entertainment
Runner (2026) - Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson Deliver Fast-Paced Action in Angel Studios Thriller
Runner is a 2026 American action‑comedy thriller that opened in theaters in the United States and select international markets. The 97‑minute film is directed by Scott Waugh and produced by Angel Studios. It stars former Navy SEAL Alan Ritchson as Hank Malone and comedian Owen Wilson as his unlikely partner, with supporting roles from Rodrigo Santoro, Leila George, Adriana Barraza, Sullivan Stapleton, Peta Sergeant and Geraldine Hakewill.
The plot follows Malone, a former Navy SEAL, who is thrust into a race against time after a medical emergency forces him to deliver a liver to a dying child at a children’s hospital in Australia. The delivery becomes the target of a ruthless cartel, turning the mission into a high‑stakes chase that tests Malone’s combat skills and Wilson’s improvisational wit.
According to Variety, the film is a “good‑enough action thriller” that relies on its lead actors’ chemistry to carry the story. The review notes that the premise is thinly sketched, but the pacing keeps the audience engaged. RogerEbert’s Peter Sobczynski praised the film’s “well‑executed action sequences” and highlighted the charismatic performances of Ritchson and Wilson.
Ritchson, known for his role as Hank Hall in the DC Universe series Titans and for starring in the Amazon Prime Video series Reacher, brings a commanding screen presence to the role of Malone. The film leans into his physicality, portraying him as a near‑superhuman figure who absorbs punishment and delivers it in brutal, fast‑paced set pieces.
Wilson, whose career spans comedy franchises such as Meet the Parents and The Grand Budapest Hotel, plays a character with minimal backstory. His effortless charm and humor provide a counterbalance to the film’s violence, creating a dynamic that keeps the narrative moving even when plot holes appear.
The film’s PG‑13 rating, assigned by the Motion Picture Association, reflects mild language and no sexual content. However, reviewers note that the violence is more graphic than typically expected for the rating, with several brutal fight scenes that flirt with R‑rated territory.
Runner’s release strategy was focused on a limited theatrical run rather than a wide blockbuster launch. Angel Studios distributed the film through its own platform, and it has since become available for streaming on the studio’s service. The film’s box‑office performance has been modest, and it has not been positioned as an awards contender.
Critics have described Runner as a throwback to 1990s action movies, emphasizing its straightforward “race‑against‑time” narrative and its emphasis on physical action over complex storytelling. While the film’s plot contains inconsistencies—such as the absence of police presence in Australia—the performances and pacing have earned it a positive reception among fans of the genre.
In summary, Runner offers a concise, fast‑paced action experience anchored by the contrasting talents of Ritchson and Wilson. The film’s PG‑13 rating, well‑executed action set pieces, and light‑hearted humor make it a suitable choice for viewers seeking straightforward entertainment rather than a deep narrative. As of September 12, 2026, the film remains available in theaters and on Angel Studios’ streaming platform, with no announced plans for a wider release or additional content.
The plot follows Malone, a former Navy SEAL, who is thrust into a race against time after a medical emergency forces him to deliver a liver to a dying child at a children’s hospital in Australia. The delivery becomes the target of a ruthless cartel, turning the mission into a high‑stakes chase that tests Malone’s combat skills and Wilson’s improvisational wit.
According to Variety, the film is a “good‑enough action thriller” that relies on its lead actors’ chemistry to carry the story. The review notes that the premise is thinly sketched, but the pacing keeps the audience engaged. RogerEbert’s Peter Sobczynski praised the film’s “well‑executed action sequences” and highlighted the charismatic performances of Ritchson and Wilson.
Ritchson, known for his role as Hank Hall in the DC Universe series Titans and for starring in the Amazon Prime Video series Reacher, brings a commanding screen presence to the role of Malone. The film leans into his physicality, portraying him as a near‑superhuman figure who absorbs punishment and delivers it in brutal, fast‑paced set pieces.
Wilson, whose career spans comedy franchises such as Meet the Parents and The Grand Budapest Hotel, plays a character with minimal backstory. His effortless charm and humor provide a counterbalance to the film’s violence, creating a dynamic that keeps the narrative moving even when plot holes appear.
The film’s PG‑13 rating, assigned by the Motion Picture Association, reflects mild language and no sexual content. However, reviewers note that the violence is more graphic than typically expected for the rating, with several brutal fight scenes that flirt with R‑rated territory.
Runner’s release strategy was focused on a limited theatrical run rather than a wide blockbuster launch. Angel Studios distributed the film through its own platform, and it has since become available for streaming on the studio’s service. The film’s box‑office performance has been modest, and it has not been positioned as an awards contender.
Critics have described Runner as a throwback to 1990s action movies, emphasizing its straightforward “race‑against‑time” narrative and its emphasis on physical action over complex storytelling. While the film’s plot contains inconsistencies—such as the absence of police presence in Australia—the performances and pacing have earned it a positive reception among fans of the genre.
In summary, Runner offers a concise, fast‑paced action experience anchored by the contrasting talents of Ritchson and Wilson. The film’s PG‑13 rating, well‑executed action set pieces, and light‑hearted humor make it a suitable choice for viewers seeking straightforward entertainment rather than a deep narrative. As of September 12, 2026, the film remains available in theaters and on Angel Studios’ streaming platform, with no announced plans for a wider release or additional content.
