Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry are set to headline Crime 101, a high-stakes heist thriller from Amazon MGM Studios. The movie will hit theaters on February 13, 2026, right before Valentine’s Day and the Presidents’ Day weekend.
Crime 101 is directed by Bart Layton, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Peter Straughan. The film is based on the novella Crime 101 by best-selling author Don Winslow.
‘CRIME 101’ will release on February 13, 2026 in theaters.
• Starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry and Barry Keoghan
• The thriller follows jewel thefts going around the Pacific Coast with a detective hot on their heels
(Source: https://t.co/LV0YNZ8wAD) pic.twitter.com/CwcvFCa3cB
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) May 1, 2025
In the story, a veteran LAPD detective named Lou Lubesnick, played by Mark Ruffalo, investigates a series of high-profile jewel thefts occurring up and down the Pacific Coast. These crimes, reportedly carried out by a disciplined thief operating under a strict personal code, form the core mystery of the film.
Hemsworth stars as Davis, the elusive jewel thief at the center of the manhunt. Ruffalo’s character suspects that the thief is acting alone, despite speculation about cartel involvement. As the two characters circle each other, the line between pursuer and prey starts to blur.
Adding more star power to the ensemble is Halle Berry, whose character appears to work in high-value insurance. Although little is officially known about her role, Berry teased her character at CinemaCon 2025, calling herself someone who writes policies for people with more money than they can handle.
The film’s cast also includes Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Tate Donovan, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Nick Nolte, among others. Initially, Pedro Pascal was attached to the project in Ruffalo’s role but had to exit due to scheduling conflicts.
Despite opening on the same weekend as a controversial Wuthering Heights adaptation and a mysterious MCU Phase 6 release, Crime 101 is expected to hold its own. With a mix of veteran talent and thrilling source material, the movie aims to be a major draw for the extended holiday weekend.
Production of Crime 101
Crime 101 draws its name and thematic framework from the set of rules followed by the thief in the story, dubbed “Crime 101.” These principles help the criminal stay under the radar for years, making the detective’s job a near-impossible task.
Director Bart Layton, known for his work on American Animals, brings a grounded and gritty tone to the film. His involvement suggests that Crime 101 will offer more than just fast-paced chases, it’ll have real psychological weight.
‘Crime 101’ star Monica Barbaro compliments “brilliant” director Bart Layton and “wonderful” cast of ‘Crime 101’, as well as shares that the film will continue shooting in London in 2025! pic.twitter.com/mlq95Olc9v
— Chris Hemsworth News (@hemsnews) December 14, 2024
Chris Hemsworth’s casting as a disciplined criminal marks a sharp turn from his usual superhero roles. Speaking about working with Berry, Hemsworth admitted he was intimidated, saying he’s admired her for years.
Berry, meanwhile, praised Hemsworth for reportedly standing up for her during a moment on set, calling him a “stand-up guy.”
While the details of many supporting roles are still under wraps, the size and caliber of the ensemble suggest that Crime 101 will be as much about character as it is about action. Produced by Working Title, The Story Factory, RAW, and Wild State, the project is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated crime thrillers of the year.
With a compelling cast, a suspense-driven plot, and a timely release window, Crime 101 is poised to kick off 2026 in a big way.
