Alan Ritchson’s transition to a theatrical leading man reaches a new milestone this week with the release of Runner. Ahead of its wide debut on September 11, the action thriller has officially become Ritchson’s highest-rated film release of 2026.
The film’s critical reception outperforms his other major projects this year, surpassing the 66% rating of War Machine and the 63% earned by Motor City. This positive standing comes as the film prepares to hit theaters via Angel Studios on September 11, 2026, marking a significant step for the actor outside of his established streaming success.
Runner features Ritchson as Hank Malone, a former soldier tasked with a high-stakes delivery. Malone must transport a life-saving transplant organ across the Australian landscape while being hunted by a relentless criminal cartel. Directed by Scott Waugh, the film also stars Owen Wilson, pairing Ritchson with a veteran presence for the survival-focused narrative.
The theatrical release also provides clarity for audiences who may be confused by a similar title appearing on streaming platforms. A separate production titled The Runner, starring Gal Gadot, recently premiered on Prime Video. That project has struggled significantly with critics, holding an 8% score on Rotten Tomatoes. While both films share a title and a 2026 release window, Ritchson’s theatrical effort has maintained a much stronger critical reception than the Gadot-led streaming original.
