“What is going on?! Who’s killing who?” This chaotic exclamation captures the high-octane energy of the newly released trailer for Fight or Flight, a fresh action comedy that puts Josh Hartnett back in the spotlight. Directed by James Madigan, known for his second-unit work on blockbusters like The Meg and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, the film teases a thrilling, claustrophobic brawl set aboard an airplane.
In Fight or Flight, Hartnett plays a mercenary tasked with tracking a target aboard a passenger plane. However, the mission takes a perilous turn when the plane’s passengers reveal themselves as assassins, forcing him to protect his target while fending off a gauntlet of enemies. Co-starring Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica), Charithra Chandran (Bridgerton), Julian Kostov (Shadow and Bone), and Marko Zaror (John Wick: Chapter 4), the cast alone promises both grit and charisma. The trailer’s blend of frenetic action and sharp humor feels like a nod to classics like Air Force One or Snakes on a Plane but with a distinctly modern edge.
Hartnett: A Veteran in New Territory
At 46, Hartnett embraces his most physically demanding role to date. The actor reflects on the challenges of shooting one of the film’s centerpiece sequences, describing it as “the toughest physical thing I’ve ever had to do.” In the trailer, Hartnett is seen utilizing everything from luggage to oxygen masks in ingenious, improvised combat. The promise of long-take fight choreography in tight quarters raises expectations for a visceral and inventive action experience.
This role comes on the heels of his success in Trap, signaling Hartnett’s reemergence as a versatile lead in genre films. His commitment to doing his own stunts not only elevates the authenticity of his performance but also showcases the meticulous craft of James Madigan’s directorial debut.
Behind the Scenes: Building a Sky-High Thriller
James Madigan steps into the director’s chair for the first time after years of crafting blockbuster action sequences. His extensive experience shines in the kinetic pacing and detailed set pieces glimpsed in the trailer. The screenplay, penned by Brooks McLaren and D.J. Cotrona, blends tension with levity, keeping the tone balanced between comedy and thrills.
Produced by The Royal Budapest Film Co., Asbury Park Productions, and Thunder Road Pictures, the film boasts a polished aesthetic and dynamic visual style. The creative team’s pedigree suggests a project steeped in Hollywood action tradition while pushing its boundaries.
International Premiere and Release Strategy
Fight or Flight debuted in Germany in December and is slated for release in other international markets this February. Strangely, a US release date remains unconfirmed, leaving fans eager for news. The delay may reflect strategic planning, but it risks stalling the film’s momentum stateside.
Personal Impressions
There’s something irresistibly fun about an action movie that embraces its absurdity while delivering top-tier craftsmanship. Fight or Flight appears to do just that, with Hartnett at the helm of an exhilarating narrative that leverages its unique setting to maximum effect. The plane’s confined environment enhances the stakes, forcing creative choreography that turns everyday objects into tools of survival. Madigan’s knack for orchestrating chaos with precision is evident, and Hartnett’s grounded yet dynamic performance anchors the film.
The premise—a mercenary fighting assassins in mid-air—might sound outlandish, but in a genre saturated with cookie-cutter blockbusters, Fight or Flight feels refreshingly inventive. Its mix of humor, action, and emotional stakes has the potential to resonate with audiences looking for escapism with substance.
Are you ready to board Fight or Flight for its turbulent thrills? What’s your take on Josh Hartnett’s return to the action genre, and do you think his performance could redefine his career?
