Josh Hartnett has made a surprising return to Hollywood with the intense action movie Fight or Flight, now streaming on Paramount+. The film puts Hartnett in the role of Lucas Reyes, a disgraced special agent on a high-stakes flight from Bangkok to San Francisco, where he must confront a deadly group of assassins while tracking down a mysterious international target.
“Exiled American agent Lucas Reyes (Josh Hartnett) is given one last chance to redeem himself — the assignment is to track down and identify a mysterious, international high-value asset known only as The Ghost on a flight from Bangkok to San Francisco. Complicating matters, the plane is filled with assassins from around the world who are assigned to kill them both. The pair must work together in a fight for their lives. At 37,000 feet, the stakes have never been higher.”
Directed by James Madigan and penned by Brooks McLaren and D. J. Cotrona, the movie blends the sharp-edged style of John Wick with the kinetic energy reminiscent of movies like Bullet Train. Alongside Hartnett, the cast features Charithra Chandran from Bridgerton, Katee Sackhoff, Marko Zaror, and Julian Kostov, bringing a diverse range of action talent to the screen.
Critical and Audience Reception Highlights Hartnett’s Role
Fight or Flight has quickly become a standout action film, earning a Certified Fresh rating of 76% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 74% audience score on Popcornmeter. Both critics and viewers have praised Hartnett’s bold and committed performance as the film’s fierce and relentless hero. Audiences have been particularly engaged with the mix of violence and dark humor.
“remain seated through Josh Hartnett’s demented and shamelessly entertaining Fight or Flight.”
Entertainment journalist Greg Archer described the film as one of the best airplane thrillers in recent memory, highlighting the excitement of Hartnett’s aerial combat scenes. Archer emphasized the movie’s mix of blood-soaked action and charismatic direction as a key strength.
“Josh Hartnett (Trap) keeps the beleaguered-albeit-sexy Zaddy vibe alive in Fight or Flight, a new action thriller that blends the gritty edge of the John Wick movies with the relentless spunk of Jackie Chan flicks. The film, directed by James Madigan, is as joyfully bombastic as it is gory and bloody. (So bloody, in fact.) It’s one of the best airplane thrillers to arrive in recent years, right up there with Gerard Butler’s Plane.”
Cast Details and Hartnett’s Upcoming Projects
In Fight or Flight, Josh Hartnett plays Lucas Reyes, the lead character tasked with navigating deadly threats at high altitude. Katee Sackhoff appears as Katherine Brunt, while Marko Zaror portrays Cheyenne, an assassin also aboard the plane. Julian Kostov fills the role of Aaron Hunter, expanding the intense dynamic among the characters.
- Josh Hartnett as Lucas Reyes
- Katee Sackhoff as Katherine Brunt
- Marko Zaror as Cheyenne
- Julian Kostov as Aaron Hunter
Despite recently sustaining minor injuries in a car accident in Canada, Hartnett remains active in Hollywood, with several projects lined up. He is set to star alongside Anne Hathaway in Amazon MGM Studios’ psychological thriller Verity, and is involved in a yet-untitled Netflix film that will feature Stranger Things’ Charlie Heaton and Station Eleven’s Mackenzie Davis.
Why This Film Matters for Hartnett’s Career
Fight or Flight signals a significant moment in Josh Hartnett’s career, marking a return to high-intensity, physically demanding roles reminiscent of his earlier action performances. The movie’s success on streaming platforms and strong reception from both critics and audiences suggest Hartnett is regaining momentum as a leading action star. This role not only showcases his ability to lead an adrenaline-fueled thriller but also opens the door for further prominent projects in the action genre.
As Hartnett continues to work on major productions, fans can expect to see more of his evolving career in intense, character-driven narratives that push his range. Fight or Flight stands as a defining film that reminds viewers of his talents as an action lead, especially in edge-of-your-seat scenarios set at extreme heights and stakes.
