Chris Hemsworth is set to star in the new crime thriller Kockroach, replacing Channing Tatum. Directed by Matt Ross, known for his work on Captain Fantastic, the film will begin shooting in New York this April. The story centers on a mysterious stranger who rises through New York’s criminal underworld to become a dominant crime boss, highlighting the power struggles within the city’s shadowy world.
A New Chapter for Hemsworth in Crime Drama
After spending over 15 years as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he blended action with humor, Hemsworth is evolving into roles that embrace a darker edge. In 2024’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, he portrayed Dementus, a ruthless warlord, earning praise for his commanding presence despite sharing the screen with Anya Taylor-Joy. This transition suggests Hemsworth’s readiness to take on complex characters in the crime thriller genre, further confirmed by his upcoming starring role in Crime 101, set for release on February 13 via Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures International.
Hemsworth’s Return to Crime Thriller with ‘Crime 101’
Crime 101 marks Hemsworth’s most prominent crime thriller appearance since 2010’s indie film Ca$h. While he appeared in Michael Mann’s Blackhat, that film focused more on high-tech action than classic crime storytelling. Directed by Bart Layton, who previously made American Animals, Crime 101 features a noteworthy cast including Oscar winner Halle Berry, Barry Keoghan, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Corey Hawkins, Nick Nolte, and Monica Barbaro.
The film explores the story of a jewel thief, played by Hemsworth, whose series of heists along the 101 freeway have puzzled authorities.
“Set against the sun-bleached grit of Los Angeles, Crime 101 weaves the tale of an elusive jewel thief (Hemsworth) whose string of heists along the 101 freeway have mystified police. When he eyes the score of a lifetime, his path crosses that of a disillusioned insurance broker (Berry) who is facing her own crossroads. Convinced he has found a pattern, a relentless detective (Ruffalo) is closing in, raising the stakes even higher. As the heist approaches, the line between hunter and hunted begins to blur, and all three are faced with life-defining choices–and the realization that there can be no turning back.”
—Bart Layton, Director
Key Cast Members and Their Roles in Crime 101
The film’s main cast includes Chris Hemsworth as Mike Davis, a skilled jewel thief; Mark Ruffalo as Detective Lou Lubesnick, tasked with closing in on the case; Halle Berry playing Sharon, an insurance broker at a crossroads; and Barry Keoghan portraying Ormon. This ensemble promises to bring depth and tension to the high-stakes narrative.
The Rising Stakes of ‘Kockroach’ and Hemsworth’s Career Trajectory
Kockroach aims to capture audiences who appreciate films like Goodfellas and Scarface, depicting the harsh realities and personal transformations within the criminal underworld. Producer Andrew Lazar describes it as a story where power and identity intersect in a brutal city landscape. With Hemsworth’s ability to portray layered, authoritative characters—as seen in his previous roles—the film is poised to add a new dimension to his career beyond the superhero genre.
Following his performance in Furiosa and the upcoming Crime 101, Kockroach represents another significant step in Hemsworth’s immersion into crime thrillers. Filming in New York, the project reflects both a physical and thematic shift as he explores darker, more complex character types that challenge his established screen persona.
This move to crime-centric stories could signal a more sustained phase for Hemsworth, branching away from his MCU past and into grittier, narrative-driven films that demand intense performances and moral ambiguity.
