Angel Studios Movies Have Another Title That Fits Its Winning Formula

Would you save the life of a small human and go to all lengths to do so? How far can you go knowing every second that stands between a child’s survival and a deadly enemy chasing, closing in? The Angel Studios movies add a title that asks the same high-stakes question.​

With the trailer release of Runner (2026), we are taken back to old-school action thrillers with breakneck car chases, explosive set pieces, and Alan Ritchson returning to familiar territory: crushing everyone who comes in his way.  ​

Plot details of Runner (2026)​

Runner is about a former soldier-turned-courier, Hank Malone (played by Alan Ritchson), who finds himself caught in a deadly race when he has to make a critical delivery to save a child’s life. With a high-end client, Ben Bishop (Owen Wilson), in his car, Malone becomes a target of a ruthless cartel, which does not stop him from the chase, making it a battle for his own survival.​

Watch the trailer here:​

It has been a busy year for Alan Ritchson, beginning with War Machine (2026). Next up is Motor City, which is to hit theaters on July 24. Another season of Reacher will debut on August 12, followed by Christmas action comedy The Man with the Bag on December 2.​

Director’s vision for the film

Directed by Need for Speed (2014) and Expendables 4 (2023) filmmaker Scott Waugh, Runner pays homage to 90s action. He aimed to make a flick that balances big-screen spectacle with deep, emotional heart.

Waugh’s background makes him a natural fit for the project. He favors real stunts, physical performances, and large-scale set pieces, as we have seen in Expendables 4 and Hidden Strike (2023). Since he is a former stunt performer, he has firsthand experience with practical action filmmaking.​

These experiences translate into Runner, where it is not a mere chase thriller but emotional storytelling embedded in a dangerous mission. Waugh uses action as a way to explore themes of redemption, courage, and sacrifice, ultimately driven by characters that the audience cares about.​

JoBlo reported his excitement upon partnering with Angel Studios as,

“Partnering with Angel is a game-changer, because Runner is the kind of theatrical film audiences have been waiting for — big action, real heart, and a story that brings light into this world. When everything’s on the line to save a life, real men don’t run from the fire; they drive straight into it.” [Source]​

How does Runner fit Angel Studios Movies’ winning formula?

At first it might seem a simple high-octane thriller, but unlike several mainstream Hollywood action films, Runner carries a PG-13 rating, making it accessible to a broader audience. A film without vulgarity and profanity and a cool action film available for all are the ultimate entertainment goals that Angel Studios has been carrying for years.​

The studio aims to create films that families and general audiences could enjoy, without having to worry whether a certain nude scene is not appropriate for kids sitting beside them. Wholesome family entertainment with content appropriate for all ages is what Angel Studios exclusively relies on.

Angel Studios is now looking to expand beyond faith-based films. It wants to broaden its slate to include action, historical dramas, and mainstream entertainment. Without abandoning its identity, Angel Studios focuses on heroism, hope, and moral purpose, and Runner is a strong example of that expansion.

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When is Runner (2026) releasing?

Angel Studios will release Runner (2026) in theaters on September 11, 2026.

Genre: Action, comedy, thriller

Cast: Alan Ritchson, Owen Wilson, Leila George, Rodrigo Santoro, Peta Sergeant

Director: Scott Waugh

Writers: Miles Hubley, Tommy White

Producers: AllyCat Entertainment, A Higher Standard, 2521 Entertainment 

Release date: September 11, 2026

Movie runtime: 1 hour 37 minutes