Gerard Butler action thriller Plane lands on Netflix this June, bringing with it a pulse-pounding adventure featuring the Olympus Has Fallen star navigating a dangerous emergency landing and subsequent fight for survival. With a remarkable 94% audience score, this high-stakes film sees Butler lead a suspenseful journey that action fans should not miss.
Gerard Butler Returns in a High-Tension Adventure
Gerard Butler, a long-standing favorite among action audiences, once again takes center stage as Brodie Torrance, a commercial pilot forced into a deadly scenario. Plane, released in 2023 and directed by Jean-François Richet, introduces Butler’s character as he must cooperate with Mike Colter, known for his role as Luke Cage, to protect not only themselves but an entire group of imperiled passengers. The story unfolds after an emergency landing in a war-torn territory, changing a harrowing flight into a desperate struggle against violent rebels.
The screenplay, crafted by Charles Cumming and J.P. Davis, provides a fresh challenge for Butler, portraying a protagonist who, though less polished than some of his previous action roles, still displays unwavering determination. Audiences responded with enthusiasm, and critics recognized the film’s impact, reflected in its impressive 94% rating from viewers and a solid 79% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s arrival on Netflix on June 12 positions it for an even wider audience.
Plane features notable performances from Tony Goldwyn and Yoson An alongside Butler and Colter, all of whom help elevate the emotional stakes and intensity of the narrative.
“In the white-knuckle action movie PLANE, pilot Brodie Torrance (Gerard Butler) saves his passengers from a lightning strike by making a risky landing on a war-torn island — only to find that surviving the landing was just the beginning. When most of the passengers are taken hostage by dangerous rebels, the only person Torrance can count on for help is Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter), an accused murderer who was being transported by the FBI. In order to rescue the passengers, Torrance will need Gaspare’s help, and will learn there’s more to Gaspare than meets the eye.”
—Official Film Synopsis
Butler’s character, Brodie Torrance, stands out not just for his leadership but for his vulnerability and reliance on unlikely allies. Mike Colter’s Louis Gaspare, an accused murderer under FBI custody, emerges as a key partner, adding another dimension of intensity and conflict to the story.
Behind the Scenes and What Lies Ahead for the Franchise
Jean-François Richet, whose next directorial project will feature Jason Statham in Mutiny, established a riveting cinematic environment for Plane. The collaboration of Cumming and Davis on the script, coupled with the performances of key cast members, resulted in a movie that resonated strongly with both genre fans and general audiences.
Off-screen, Gerard Butler’s reputation as an action icon continues to grow. Fans of his work can anticipate his appearance in Den of Thieves 2 in 2025, along with several other film projects that showcase his range within the action thriller landscape.
A Sequel Shifts the Setting but Doubts Linger Over Butler’s Return
In response to Plane’s success, the studio has greenlit a sequel titled Ship, moving the action from the skies to the sea. This new installment will shift focus toward Mike Colter’s character, Louis Gaspare, a former French Foreign Legionnaire, as he continues his perilous journey after the dramatic events of Plane. The narrative picks up with Gaspare on the run, evading authorities and becoming the subject of a worldwide search.
While it remains uncertain whether Butler will return to reprise his role as Brodie Torrance, speculation abounds about a possible cameo. The plot centers on Gaspare’s attempt to stay hidden by boarding a cargo ship headed from East Asia to South Africa, only to discover entanglement with a human trafficking operation, escalating the stakes yet again.
“Following a high-octane showdown with the local militia on Jolo’s shores, Gaspare manages to commandeer a fishing boat and escape the Philippines. But he’s not out of the woods yet: the media circus surrounding Flight 119 has elevated his public profile, making him the subject of an international manhunt. Hoping to stay under the radar and get far away from his last known location, Gaspare hops aboard a cargo ship in East Asia that’s bound for South Africa. But as he settles in for a long voyage, the stowaway discovers that the ocean vessel is transporting more than goods — it’s also being used as a ferry for a human trafficking ring.”
—Official Ship Synopsis
The upcoming sequel promises to retain the elevated suspense that defined Plane, trading the chaos of an emergency landing for the dangers of the high seas and international crime.
Cast and Key Performances Anchor the Experience
Gerard Butler leads as Brodie Torrance, demonstrating his signature mix of resilience and humanity. Mike Colter’s portrayal of Louis Gaspare brings depth to a fugitive character, whose mysterious past and evolving relationship with Torrance drive much of the film’s emotional tension. Tony Goldwyn and Yoson An round out the principal cast, contributing further to the film’s layered storytelling.
Director Richet and writers Cumming and Davis crafted a tightly-paced thriller that has connected with viewers, emphasizing the unpredictable dangers faced not only by the passengers but also by those who step up to protect them.
The Broader Impact and What to Expect on Netflix
Plane’s arrival on Netflix is set to reach a massive new audience, ensuring that the intense journey of Brodie Torrance and Louis Gaspare can now be experienced by even more fans of the genre. The film’s high-stakes drama, combined with strong viewer and critic ratings, suggests it will continue to drive anticipation for sequels and further adventures. With Butler and Colter as memorable leads, and the franchise expanding to new settings, the story promises continued excitement and expanding conflict on both land and sea.
As the franchise shifts its focus with the upcoming Ship, audiences will be eager to see what new threats and alliances emerge, and whether Butler’s character will return to the fray. In the meantime, fans of action cinema can look forward to Plane’s streaming debut, solidifying its place as one of the standout thrillers from recent years.
