Hollywood favorite Josh Hartnett returns to full-throttle action as he battles assassins at 37,000 feet in Lionsgate Play’s newest thriller.
If you’ve been waiting for a movie that delivers pure, chaotic fun, Fight or Flight is ready to take off. This wild action-comedy throws Josh Hartnett into the middle of an airborne battle where nothing is as it seems, proving that the most dangerous fights happen in the tightest spaces including a commercial airplane packed with killers.
The film lands on Lionsgate Play this December 5, making it a perfect pick for your next adrenaline-filled movie night.
A High-Flying Comeback for Josh Hartnett
Josh Hartnett is best known for psychological thrillers and dramatic roles, but Fight or Flight marks his return to the type of physical, stunt-heavy action fans haven’t seen from him in years. Here, he plays Lucas Reyes, a disgraced former secret service agent whose routine assignment goes sideways the moment he discovers assassins on board — all targeting one mysterious passenger called “The Ghost.”
What follows is a chaotic mix of overhead-bin ambushes, improvised weapons, back-alley humor, and brutal close-quarters combat. Hartnett plays it with a mix of grit and wisecracking charm, giving fans a fresh, unfiltered version of the actor.
A Plane Full of Assassins and Zero Safe Spaces
Once the flight takes off, Lucas realizes he’s trapped thousands of feet above ground with rival killers who all want the same thing. As alliances shift and secrets unfold, the plane becomes a cramped battleground where every aisle, seat row, and drinks cart becomes part of the fight.
The movie blends action with comedic timing, making the chaos feel unpredictable and fun — a refreshing twist for fans who love thrillers but enjoy a dose of humor.
Real Stunts, Real Sweat: A Film That Doubles Down on Practical Action
Directed by James Madigan in his feature debut, Fight or Flight stands out for its dedication to practical stunt work. The team kept CGI to a minimum, choosing instead to let the actors move, fight, and tumble through the narrow aircraft set.
Josh Hartnett shared how invigorating — and challenging — it was to do his own stunts again, saying:
“I was able to do my own stunts for it, which I haven't been able to do since I was in my 20s, and it’s a lot different when you’re in your 40s, but I thought that would be an interesting challenge.”
He even described one of the film’s biggest action sequences:
“They shot all of that in one long tracking shot… we tried to keep the sequences as intact as possible.”
Hartnett likened the choreography to live theater:
“It wasn't just one punch at a time… that sort of choreography, that dance was fun to create.”
A Sharp Ensemble Cast Elevates the Chaos
Adding to the fun is a strong supporting cast, including:
- Charithra Chandran (Bridgerton)
- Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica)
- Julian Kostov (Shadow and Bone)
Each brings their own flair to the film’s claustrophobic, high-altitude madness, making the story feel both intense and unexpectedly funny.
Whether you’re tuning in for the stunts, the humor, or Josh Hartnett’s all-in return to action, Fight or Flight promises a fast, chaotic, and entertaining ride from takeoff to landing. It’s the kind of movie that doesn’t slow down and doesn’t apologize for it.
Catch Fight or Flight on Lionsgate Play starting December 5, and prepare for turbulence.