Mark Ruffalo and Chris Hemsworth Set to Collide in Gritty Crime Thriller 'Crime 101' This February 2026

Set for a highly anticipated theatrical debut in February 2026, "Crime 101" is a high-stakes crime thriller inspired by Don Winslow’s acclaimed 2020 novella of the same name. This Amazon MGM Studios production brings together two Hollywood heavyweights: Mark Ruffalo, who continues his streak of portraying dedicated law enforcement figures, and Chris Hemsworth, stepping into the role of a sophisticated and elusive jewel thief. The project is helmed by director Bart Layton, whose previous work on American Animals and The Imposter has established a reputation for intense tension and masterful, intricate storytelling.

The narrative centers on Mike Davis, played by Hemsworth, a meticulous professional thief responsible for a series of audacious jewelry heists along the iconic Highway 101 in Los Angeles. Davis operates by a rigid personal manifesto: he refuses to work with drug users, avoids the pitfalls of excessive greed, and ensures no physical harm comes to his victims—going as far as leaving water for a security guard he left locked in a trunk. Hot on his trail is Detective Lou Lubesnick, portrayed by Ruffalo, a seasoned investigator who has spent years dissecting the patterns of this ghost-like criminal. Adding another layer of complexity to this high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse is Sharon Coombs, an insurance broker played by Halle Berry, who finds herself at a personal crossroads and is eventually coerced into an uneasy alliance with the thief.

The arrival of "Crime 101" on the big screen follows closely on the heels of Mark Ruffalo’s critically lauded performance in the television series Task. This cinematic venture represents a significant step for the actor as he delves deeper into the complexities of the crime genre, further cementing his status as a versatile lead in gritty, character-driven dramas that explore the thin line between the law and the underworld.

Director Bart Layton, who previously earned a BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut with his 2012 documentary The Imposter and blended genres with 2018’s American Animals, makes his transition into fully narrative filmmaking with this adaptation of Winslow’s material. Layton is renowned for his deep dives into criminal psychology and his ability to navigate the grey areas of morality. To bring this vision to life, the production has assembled a stellar ensemble cast that includes:

• Barry Keoghan
• Monica Barbaro
• Cory Hawkins
• Jennifer Jason Leigh
• Nick Nolte

Following its world premiere in London on January 28, 2026, "Crime 101" is scheduled for a wide theatrical release in the United States and international markets via Sony Pictures Releasing International on February 13, 2026. In a move that highlights the film's prestige, Amazon MGM Studios opted for a traditional cinema rollout rather than a direct-to-streaming debut. With a substantial runtime of 140 minutes, the film is being marketed as a meticulously crafted, tightly scripted thriller that captures the dark, brooding, and atmospheric essence of the Los Angeles landscape.

As the 2026 film season kicks off, "Crime 101" stands out as a must-watch for fans of sophisticated heist movies and psychological dramas. The combination of Winslow’s sharp source material and Layton’s directorial precision suggests a film that will resonate with both critics and audiences alike. With its mid-February release date, the movie is positioned to be a major early-year highlight in the global cinematic calendar, promising a cinematic experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is visceral.