Chris Hemsworth's heist thriller debuts in theaters next month

Amazon MGM Studios today announced theatrical distribution details for Crime 101, a heist thriller starring Chris Hemsworth that arrives in cinemas February 13, 2026. The film represents director Bart Layton's first feature since American Animals garnered critical acclaim in 2018, adapting Don Winslow's 2020 novella about a jewel thief operating along California's 101 freeway.

According to the film's official documentation, Crime 101 features an ensemble cast including Mark Ruffalo as Detective Lou Lubesnick and Halle Berry as insurance broker Sharon Colvin. Barry Keoghan portrays Ormon, while Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Nolte, and Tate Donovan round out the supporting roles. The 140-minute production marks a significant theatrical commitment from Amazon MGM Studios during the typically competitive February release window.

Hemsworth stars as Mike Davis, described in production materials as a master jewel thief whose calculated heists have left law enforcement unable to establish patterns. The narrative structure follows three characters whose paths converge: Davis planning what production notes characterize as "the ultimate score," Colvin wrestling with professional uncertainty, and Lubesnick convinced he has identified the thief's operational methodology.

The production assembled through Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Working Title Films, Raw, and The Story Factory, with Layton serving as writer, director, and producer. Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Dimitri Doganis, Derrin Schlesinger, and Shane Salerno produced alongside Hemsworth and Ben Grayson. Erik Wilson handled cinematography, while Jacob Secher Schulsinger and Julian Hart edited. Blanck Mass composed the score.

Amazon won a competitive bidding process for Crime 101 rights in 2023, according to trade publication reporting at the time. Netflix participated in negotiations before Amazon secured the property. Pedro Pascal initially entered discussions to co-star with Hemsworth but departed due to scheduling conflicts with The Fantastic Four: First Steps production.

Principal photography occurred in Los Angeles starting October 2024. The production filmed across multiple locations throughout the metropolitan area for approximately three months. Layton adapted Winslow's novella with contributions from Peter Straughan, though specific screenplay credit allocation remains undisclosed in available materials.

Winslow's source material belongs to his broader body of crime fiction including The Power of the Dog trilogy. The author's works typically examine moral ambiguity within high-stakes criminal enterprises, a thematic approach evident in the Crime 101 premise. The novella's focus on three distinct protagonists pursuing conflicting objectives provides narrative structure for the adaptation.

Amazon MGM Studios positioned Crime 101 for theatrical release rather than streaming-exclusive distribution, a strategic decision that contrasts with the platform's typical content deployment. Amazon announced eight fall films spanning theatrical and streaming releases during its 2025 content slate, demonstrating the company's dual-track distribution approach. The studio's theatrical strategy enables traditional marketing campaigns while building awareness ahead of eventual streaming availability.

Distribution responsibilities split between Amazon MGM Studios handling United States and Canadian territories while Sony Pictures Releasing International manages international markets. This arrangement, formalized through a multi-year deal announced in June 2025, extends to Crime 101 and other Amazon theatrical releases. The partnership enables broader international distribution infrastructure than Amazon could efficiently deploy independently.

The February 13 release date positions Crime 101 during a period traditionally dominated by romantic comedies targeting Valentine's Day weekend audiences. The counter-programming strategy aims to capture audiences seeking alternative entertainment options during the holiday-adjacent period. Historical box office data shows action thrillers can perform competitively during this window when positioned correctly.

Ruffalo's casting as the investigating detective adds recognizable star power alongside Hemsworth. The actor's extensive filmography includes prominent roles in major franchise properties and critically acclaimed independent productions. Berry's participation as the insurance broker provides additional marquee value, particularly given her sustained career across multiple decades and genres.

Keoghan's presence reflects current industry casting trends favoring actors who have demonstrated range across dramatic and mainstream commercial projects. His recent work in Saltburn and other productions established him as a performer capable of conveying psychological complexity, characteristics that align with the Crime 101 narrative's focus on characters operating in morally ambiguous territory.

The supporting cast includes established performers with substantial resumes across film and television. Jason Leigh's career spans independent cinema and studio productions. Nolte's filmography extends across five decades. These veterans provide depth to a cast primarily anchored by Hemsworth's commercial appeal and Ruffalo's critical credibility.

Layton's previous directorial work includes documentary The Imposter, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival in 2012, and American Animals, a narrative feature blending documentary techniques with dramatic storytelling. His approach typically emphasizes character psychology and moral complexity rather than conventional genre formula. The Crime 101 assignment represents his first adaptation of existing literary source material rather than original or documentary-based narratives.

Working Title Films' involvement brings substantial production infrastructure and industry relationships. The company's extensive filmography includes both commercial successes and awards contenders. Their partnership with Amazon MGM Studios on Crime 101 follows previous collaborations across various projects. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer contributes legacy studio resources and distribution networks built over decades of operation.

The Story Factory, run by Shane Salerno, specializes in developing literary properties for screen adaptation. Salerno's production credits include multiple high-profile projects adapting novels and non-fiction works. His involvement typically signals substantial investment in screenplay development and source material fidelity. Raw's participation adds documentary and factual programming expertise, though their specific contributions to Crime 101 remain undocumented in available materials.

Amazon's theatrical distribution strategy reflects broader industry trends toward hybrid release models. Peacock Premium Plus launched on Prime Video as streaming platforms expand content aggregation capabilities while simultaneously investing in original theatrical releases. The approach aims to maximize revenue across multiple distribution windows while building intellectual property value through traditional theatrical exhibition.

Marketing campaigns for theatrical releases enable targeted advertising across multiple channels. Display advertising, video advertising, and programmatic buying capabilities support theatrical launches through sophisticated audience targeting. Connected television advertising, increasingly central to film marketing, allows precise demographic targeting during streaming content consumption. These capabilities integrate with Amazon's broader advertising infrastructure, creating potential cross-promotional opportunities.

The British Board of Film Classification assigned Crime 101 a 15 certificate on January 14, 2026, indicating content suitable for audiences aged 15 and older. This rating typically accommodates strong language, violence, and mature thematic content while remaining accessible to teenage audiences. The certification process completed shortly before the February theatrical release, following standard industry timelines for theatrical distribution.

Crime 101's 140-minute runtime positions it at the longer end of contemporary action thriller duration. Feature film lengths have gradually extended across multiple genres during recent years, with major releases frequently exceeding two hours. The extended runtime suggests substantial narrative development beyond conventional action sequences, aligning with Layton's demonstrated interest in character-driven storytelling.

Hemsworth's role as producer alongside his starring performance indicates creative investment beyond standard acting engagement. Actors increasingly participate in production capacities on projects where they hold starring roles, providing input on script development, casting decisions, and post-production choices. This dual role can strengthen a performer's long-term industry positioning while potentially increasing backend participation in financial performance.

The theatrical release strategy enables Crime 101 to compete for industry recognition during awards consideration periods. February releases occasionally gain traction in genre-specific categories or technical achievement recognition, particularly when films demonstrate production quality and performance caliber that distinguish them from conventional commercial entertainment. Layton's previous work earned critical attention, establishing expectations for narrative sophistication.

February 2026 represents a relatively open theatrical marketplace following the crowded holiday release period. Major studios typically reserve this window for mid-tier commercial releases targeting underserved audience segments. The Valentine's Day weekend provides a specific date hook for marketing campaigns, though Crime 101's subject matter positions it away from traditional romantic programming.

International distribution through Sony Pictures Releasing International expands potential audience reach beyond North American markets. Hemsworth's global recognition, built substantially through Marvel Cinematic Universe appearances, provides international marketing advantages. Action thrillers typically perform well across multiple territories when anchored by recognizable talent and comprehensible narrative structures that translate across cultural contexts.

The film's Los Angeles setting provides visual familiarity for international audiences while enabling the production to leverage California's film production infrastructure. The 101 freeway functions as a recognizable landmark for audiences familiar with Southern California geography. Urban Los Angeles locations offer diverse visual backdrops for action sequences and character-driven dramatic scenes.

Winslow's literary reputation adds prestige value beyond typical thriller source material. His novels have generated substantial critical recognition while maintaining commercial viability, a combination that positions adaptations as potentially transcending genre limitations. The novella format of Crime 101 provides a more contained narrative structure compared to full-length novels, potentially facilitating more direct translation to cinematic storytelling without extensive condensation.

Amazon MGM Studios' theatrical strategy occurs within a broader entertainment industry landscape where streaming platforms increasingly invest in theatrical releases to build content libraries and establish competitive differentiation. Major releases generate media attention, critical reviews, and cultural conversation that pure streaming releases often struggle to achieve at equivalent scale.

The production's October 2024 start date provided approximately four months for post-production work before the February 2026 release. This timeline accommodates visual effects completion, sound design, musical score integration, and marketing material preparation. Contemporary action thrillers typically require substantial post-production resources for polishing action sequences, color grading, and audio mixing to achieve theatrical presentation standards.

Blanck Mass, the musical project of Benjamin John Power, brings experimental electronic composition experience to the score. His previous work includes albums and soundtrack contributions that emphasize atmospheric textures and rhythmic intensity. This sonic approach can complement thriller narratives by creating tension through musical underscore rather than conventional orchestral arrangements.

Schulsinger and Hart's editing collaboration handles narrative pacing and scene construction. Film editing profoundly influences audience experience, particularly in thrillers where information revelation timing affects suspense generation. Their work shapes how the three protagonist storylines intersect and resolve across the 140-minute runtime.

Wilson's cinematography establishes visual language for the Los Angeles setting and action sequences. Director of photography choices regarding camera movement, lighting design, and compositional approaches substantially influence a film's aesthetic character. His work on Crime 101 required balancing action sequence dynamism with character-focused dramatic scenes demanding different visual treatments.

Timeline

• August 28, 2023 – Amazon wins bidding war for Crime 101 rights, beating Netflix in competitive negotiations
• August 28, 2023 – Pedro Pascal enters initial discussions to co-star alongside Chris Hemsworth
• September 1, 2023 – Pascal departs project due to scheduling conflicts with The Fantastic Four: First Steps
• May 21, 2024 – Mark Ruffalo enters negotiations for Detective Lou Lubesnick role
• May 30, 2024 – Barry Keoghan confirms attachment to Crime 101 production
• October 2, 2024 – Halle Berry joins cast as female lead Sharon Colvin
• October 24, 2024 – Monica Barbaro added to cast in undisclosed role
• October 28, 2024 – Corey Hawkins joins Crime 101 production
• October 2024 – Principal photography begins in Los Angeles
• November 1, 2024 – Supporting cast rounded out with Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Nolte, Tate Donovan, and others
• December 12, 2025 – Blanck Mass confirmed as composer for film score
• January 14, 2026 – British Board of Film Classification assigns 15 certificate
• February 13, 2026 – Crime 101 releases theatrically in United States via Amazon MGM Studios and internationally through Sony Pictures Releasing International

Summary

Who: Amazon MGM Studios produces Crime 101 starring Chris Hemsworth as jewel thief Mike Davis, Mark Ruffalo as Detective Lou Lubesnick, and Halle Berry as insurance broker Sharon Colvin, with supporting performances from Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Nolte, and Tate Donovan. Bart Layton directed and adapted Don Winslow's novella. Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Dimitri Doganis, Derrin Schlesinger, Shane Salerno, Hemsworth, and Ben Grayson produced through Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Working Title Films, Raw, and The Story Factory.

What: Crime 101 adapts Winslow's 2020 novella about a master jewel thief operating along California's 101 freeway, an insurance broker facing career uncertainty, and a detective who believes he has identified the thief's patterns. The 140-minute production filmed in Los Angeles from October 2024, combining heist thriller conventions with character-driven narrative examining moral ambiguity. Amazon MGM Studios selected theatrical distribution rather than streaming-exclusive release, enabling traditional exhibition and marketing approaches.

When: Amazon secured Crime 101 rights in August 2023 following competitive bidding against Netflix. Principal photography occurred in Los Angeles starting October 2024. The British Board of Film Classification certified the film on January 14, 2026. Crime 101 releases theatrically February 13, 2026, positioning it during the Valentine's Day weekend period traditionally dominated by romantic comedies but occasionally accommodating counter-programming alternatives.

Where: Production filmed across Los Angeles locations throughout late 2024, utilizing the metropolitan area's diverse visual settings and established film production infrastructure. The narrative centers on California's 101 freeway corridor. Amazon MGM Studios handles United States and Canadian theatrical distribution while Sony Pictures Releasing International manages international territories through a multi-year partnership formalized in June 2025.

Why: The theatrical release strategy enables Crime 101 to compete in traditional exhibition markets while building awareness ahead of eventual streaming availability on Prime Video. Amazon's dual-track distribution approach balances streaming content development with theatrical releases that generate media attention, critical reviews, and cultural conversation difficult to achieve through streaming-exclusive launches. Layton's reputation for character-driven narratives and Winslow's literary credentials position Crime 101 as potentially transcending conventional genre limitations through psychological depth and moral complexity exploration.