Josh Hartnett has taken center stage in the action comedy “Fight or Flight,” delivering a performance marked by intense physicality, sharp humor, and a sense of timely urgency. Premiering in 2025, the film places Hartnett in the role of Lucas Reyes, a beleaguered cab driver with a complicated past, who finds himself drawn back into danger when an unexpected call sets him on a chaotic international mission. As audiences search for fresh entertainment during turbulent times, the film’s blend of wild stunts and comedy pushes Hartnett’s talents into the spotlight.
Set in the near future, “Fight or Flight” begins with Lucas Reyes, a character whose troubles are written in his tired expression and frosted tips. Hartnett’s Reyes is a former Secret Service agent now living in exile, hiding from a world that seems to have moved on without him. A sudden call from Katherine Brunt—Reyes’ ex-girlfriend and ex-boss, played by Katee Sackhoff—throws him back into covert operations. Reyes, tempted by a chance to regain his previous life, agrees to complete a single, risky mission for Katherine.
The task is immediately complicated by location and stakes. Reyes is the only ex-agent available in Bangkok, where an infamous international terrorist known as The Ghost is expected to board a departing passenger flight. Tasked with identifying, apprehending, and safely returning The Ghost to the United States, Reyes is trapped on a flight teeming with hidden dangers. The assignment is further layered by the knowledge that a worldwide bounty has been placed on The Ghost, drawing scores of covert assassins onto the plane, all eager for the reward and hidden among the unsuspecting passengers.
Director James Madigan, in his feature film debut following extensive experience with high-profile action films, constructs a unique arena for chaos and comedy aboard what appears to be the world’s largest airplane. This imaginative setting creates countless opportunities for inventive fight choreography and unexpected mayhem, as Hartnett’s Lucas Reyes navigates tight quarters, shifting alliances, and ever-present peril. The airplane’s cavernous interiors are repeatedly exploited for dramatic confrontation and physical humor, heightening both suspense and absurdity as violence erupts just out of sight from the other passengers.
“Fight or Flight” quickly establishes itself with relentless energy, with the main action driven by Hartnett’s perseverance and physical commitment. While explosions, brawls, and unlikely weapons—such as a scene involving frog venom and a chainsaw—keep the audience engaged, Hartnett’s performance remains at the emotional core of the story. He portrays Lucas Reyes as both a highly capable agent and a weary everyman, questioning his predicament yet pressing on with a blend of resourcefulness and reckless abandon. Even as the character faces repeated setbacks, he adapts on the fly, using whatever is at hand, from Krazy Glue to sheer determination, to keep going.
The choreography and directorial pacing in “Fight or Flight” are calibrated for maximum impact, with each sequence topping the last in terms of creativity and intensity. Director Madigan manages to maintain suspense and humor without letting the tone tip too far into complete farce. The violence, while exaggerated, is consistently intense, evoking the slapstick resilience of cartoon physics while remaining just grounded enough to make each punch and fall land with a wince-inducing thud.
Madigan has remarked, emphasizing how Hartnett’s approach to the material allowed for moments of both absurdity and real stakes.
Much of the film’s success can be traced directly to Josh Hartnett, whose willingness to throw himself into the role ensures that even the most bizarre situations feel like a natural evolution for his character. Throughout the 2000s, Hartnett became a recognizable name with standout performances in major theatrical releases, but the intervening years have seen fewer opportunities for such prominent roles. “Fight or Flight” represents a high-profile return for Hartnett, who has recently reemerged in acclaimed projects including Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” and M. Night Shyamalan’s “Trap.” As Madigan notes,
The ensemble cast, including Katee Sackhoff and a range of international supporting actors, matches Hartnett’s energy, ensuring the film’s comedy and chaos resonate through every scene. The dynamic between Reyes and Brunt introduces emotional layers to the breakneck plot, complicating the mission with personal history and reluctant mutual respect. While each fight is meticulously staged for excitement, the real stakes lie in whether Reyes can redeem himself after years on the run.
“Fight or Flight” stands out not just for its action sequences but for its ability to balance disorder and sentiment. Hartnett’s commitment to the role and the film’s spirited direction come together to create a comedic action spectacle that feels timely and unique. The response from early viewers and critics has highlighted Hartnett’s compelling presence, with several noting that
The release of “Fight or Flight” signals a renewed chapter for Josh Hartnett’s career, reaffirming his ability to headline major films while embracing roles that test both his dramatic and comic skills. Its fast-paced story, inventive stunts, and unexpected humor make it a standout in a crowded genre, giving fans and newcomers a reason to rediscover Hartnett’s contribution to contemporary action comedy. As the film gains traction, audiences and industry insiders alike are watching to see if Hartnett’s latest turn will open new doors, inspiring similar projects that blend intensity, absurdity, and character-driven storytelling in equal measure.
