Directed by Kevin Macdonald.
The Runner was released worldwide on September 2, 2026.
Distributed by Amazon MGM Studios / Prime Video.
The Runner (2026) Movie Review
The Runner is a fast-paced thriller that follows Maia, a mother forced to run across London after her son is kidnapped.
Gal Gadot brings physical energy to the role, while Damian Lewis adds mystery as the threatening Caller.
The 84-minute runtime keeps the story moving, but the film struggles with predictable writing and unrealistic decisions.
Some action scenes create genuine excitement, especially during Maia’s race against time, but the frantic editing sometimes weakens the tension.
Overall, The Runner is an easy watch for action-thriller fans, though its familiar story and uneven execution stop it from becoming truly memorable.
CR Rating: 6.5/10.
The Runner Actors
Gal Gadot as Maia
DOB: April 30, 1985.
Bio: Israeli actress, producer and former model born in Petah Tikva, Israel.
She won the Miss Israel title in 2004 and subsequently completed two years of mandatory military service in the Israel Defense Forces.
She initially studied law before pursuing modeling and acting.
Role: Gadot plays Maia Marten, a successful London lawyer whose routine morning run becomes a desperate race to save her son, Noah, after she receives a call telling her that he has been abducted.
A mysterious man known only as the Caller gives Maia a series of instructions and warns her that Noah will die if she stops or seeks help.
Interesting facts: Gadot has spoken about her athletic background, and she trained extensively in martial arts for her earlier action roles.
Notable Works: Wonder Woman, Justice League, Fast & Furious, Red Notice, Death on the Nile.
Damian Lewis as The Caller
DOB: February 11, 1971.
Bio: English actor and producer born in St. John’s Wood, London.
He attended Eton College before studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama from 1990 to 1993, where his classmates included Daniel Craig and Joseph Fiennes.
Role: The Caller is the mysterious figure who contacts Maia Marten after her son Noah is kidnapped.
He gives Maia a series of strict instructions that force her to keep running through London while following his commands and avoiding help.
Interesting facts: Lewis has received a Golden Globe for his performance as Nicholas Brody in Homeland and a Primetime Emmy for the same role.
Notable Works: Band of Brothers, Homeland, Billions, Wolf Hall, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Rory Wilmot as Noah
DOB: N/A.
Bio: A young British actor whose screen credits include FBI: International, Unchosen, and The Runner.
He played Edvard Lassen in an episode of FBI: International and appeared as Anthony Harrison in all six episodes of the 2026 Netflix drama Unchosen.
Role: Noah is Maia’s son and the person at the center of the kidnapping that drives the story.
His disappearance forces Maia to follow the Caller’s increasingly dangerous commands as she races across London to bring him home.
Interesting facts: Wilmot’s career is developing rapidly, with The Runner arriving alongside his role in Unchosen and his upcoming appearance in Harry Potter.
Notable Works: FBI: International, Unchosen, Harry Potter.
Alfred Enoch as Ted
DOB: December 2, 1988.
Bio: British-Brazilian actor born in Westminster, London.
He is the son of English actor William Russell and Brazilian doctor Etheline Margareth Lewis.
Enoch attended Westminster School before studying Modern Languages at The Queen’s College, University of Oxford.
Role: Ted is a character connected to Maia’s increasingly complicated situation.
His presence adds another layer to the story as Maia attempts to understand who she can trust while following the Caller’s instructions.
Interesting facts: Enoch has a multicultural background, with an English father and a Brazilian mother.
He holds British and Brazilian citizenship and speaks Portuguese.
Notable Works: Harry Potter, How to Get Away with Murder, Foundation, Troy: Fall of a City, Miss Austen.
Phoenix Di Sebastiani as Tafa
DOB: N/A.
Bio: British actor who trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), graduating with a BA in Acting in 2020.
He has worked across theatre, television, and film.
His theatre work includes productions such as Richard II, Macbeth, As You Like It, and King Lear.
Role: Tafa is one of the supporting characters Maia encounters during her desperate journey through London.
The role contributes to the chain of people and situations that Maia must navigate while attempting to save Noah.
Interesting facts: Di Sebastiani’s career has included both historical television drama and major contemporary productions.
Notable Works: Anne Boleyn, Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Nathan Kirby as Wiry Dude
DOB: June 14, 1975.
Bio: American actor, stunt performer, martial artist, and fight choreographer.
He has developed a career combining acting with physical performance and action-based work.
His background in martial arts and stunt performance has allowed him to work in productions that require demanding physical sequences.
Role: Wiry Dude is a physical supporting character encountered during Maia’s dangerous journey.
Kirby’s background in martial arts and action performance suits the film’s physically demanding thriller style.
Interesting facts: Kirby has described martial arts, stage combat and stunt work as major parts of his professional life.
He is also a motivational and keynote speaker.
Notable Works: The Runner and various action and stunt productions
Hélder Fernandes as Buddy
DOB: N/A.
Bio: Hélder Fernandes is an actor known for television work including Carthago and Black Mirror.
His performance credits have included both dramatic and genre productions, giving him experience in internationally produced screen projects.
Role: Buddy is a supporting character who becomes part of Maia’s increasingly dangerous journey through London.
Interesting facts: Fernandes appeared in an episode of Black Mirror in 2025 and also worked on the series Carthago.
•Notable Works: Black Mirror, Carthago, Reckless.
Will Austin as NCA Officer 1
DOB: N/A.
Bio: British actor, cinematographer, editor, director, and filmmaker.
Alongside acting, Austin has worked extensively behind the camera as a cinematographer and editor on short films and independent productions.
Role: NCA Officer 1 is part of the National Crime Agency presence connected to the investigation surrounding Maia’s situation.
Interesting facts: Austin works behind the camera as well as in front of it and has experience as a cinematographer and editor.
Notable Works: Gangs of London, Coldwater, Doctor Who, Casualty, 24: Live Another Day.
Mark Hampton as NCA Officer 2
DOB: N/A.
Bio: New Zealand-born British actor, writer, director, and filmmaker who is based in the UK.
He began his screen career in the 1990s and has appeared in British television productions.
Hampton later made his feature-film debut as a writer and director with Unlicensed in 2025.
Role: NCA Officer 2 is part of the law-enforcement team involved in the events surrounding Maia and the wider crisis.
Interesting facts: Hampton returned to filmmaking after a career break and has received several acting awards for his independent work.
Notable Works: This England, Count Abdulla, Jonathan Creek, Casualty, Heads of State
Stevie Binns as NCA Officer 3
DOB: N/A.
Bio: British actress whose screen credits include Ludwig, The Gallows Pole and The Runner.
Her role in Ludwig was a television appearance, while The Runner gives her a part within the film’s law-enforcement ensemble.
Role: NCA Officer 3 works as part of the National Crime Agency team connected to the unfolding investigation.
Interesting facts: Binns is also known for her role as Carla in Ludwig.
Notable Works: Ludwig, The Gallows Pole.
More Actors
• John Leader as Forensics Officer.
• Kenton Lloyd Morgan as Boat Captain.
• Simon Nader Mirza as Hotel Security.
• Jessie Cave as Alice (School Mum).
FAQ – The Runner (2026) Movie
What is The Runner about?
The Runner follows Maia Marten, a London lawyer whose son is kidnapped. She is forced to run across the city and follow the kidnapper’s commands to save him.
What genre is The Runner?
It is an action, mystery and thriller drama.
Is The Runner based on a true story?
No. The Runner is a fictional psychological action thriller.
How long is The Runner?
The movie has a runtime of approximately 84 minutes.
Where can I watch The Runner?
The movie is available to stream on Prime Video.
Conclusion
The Runner is a fast and straightforward thriller with an interesting premise, but its predictable story and unrealistic moments hold it back.
It is worth a watch for fans of quick-paced action movies.