Fight or Flight is a 2025 action-comedy that confines its violence to 37,000 feet. Directed by James Madigan in his feature debut, the film stars Josh Hartnett as a disgraced secret service agent tasked with protecting a mysterious hacker aboard a commercial flight from Bangkok to San Francisco.
The narrative centres on Lucas Reyes, who discovers that the aircraft has been infiltrated by international assassins. With nowhere to escape, Reyes must utilise improvised weapons and aircraft amenities to survive while uncovering the true identity of his charge, known only as The Ghost.
Released in the United Kingdom on 28 February 2025 and in the United States on 9 May 2025, the production hails from the team behind John Wick. It was filmed on location in Hungary, including at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.
What is the Fight or Flight movie?
- Plot: Mercenary protects high-value target on plane amid assassins
- Lead: Josh Hartnett as Lucas Reyes
- Genre: Action-comedy thriller
- Release: UK cinemas 28 February 2025; US 9 May 2025
The film combines close-quarters combat with dark humour. Hartnett performs 100 per cent of his own stunts, dispatching adversaries using aircraft seating, trolleys, and other improvised weapons.
- Directed by James Madigan, previously a second unit director and stunt coordinator
- Written by Brooks McLaren and D. J. Cotrona
- Produced by John Wick alumni Tai Duncan, Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee
- Set entirely aboard a commercial airliner
- Features former Bridgerton Cast member Charithra Chandran in a pivotal role
- Hartnett’s performance received particular critical praise for its physical commitment
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Fight or Flight |
| Year | 2025 |
| Director | James Madigan |
| Lead Actor | Josh Hartnett |
| Character | Lucas Reyes |
| Genre | Action-comedy |
| Setting | Commercial airline (Bangkok to San Francisco) |
| UK Release Date | 28 February 2025 |
| US Release Date | 9 May 2025 |
| Production Companies | Thunder Road Films, FilmNation Entertainment |
| Producers | Tai Duncan, Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee |
| Filming Location | Hungary (Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport) |
Who is in the Fight or Flight movie cast?
The ensemble brings together established action stars and rising talent. IMDb lists the primary cast as follows:
Who plays Lucas Reyes?
Josh Hartnett portrays the disgraced American secret service agent forced into hiding in Bangkok after a moral dilemma. Recruited by his former partner Katherine Brunt, Reyes accepts a final redemption mission that places him aboard the targeted flight.
Who is The Ghost?
The Ghost is revealed to be Isha Mandhal, played by Charithra Chandran. Initially appearing as a flight attendant, Mandhal is actually a former child trafficking victim who employs her hacking skills to liberate other child labourers. She becomes Reyes’s unlikely ally as the assassins close in.
Supporting characters
Katee Sackhoff appears as Katherine Brunt, Reyes’s former partner and lover who brings him back into the field. The assassins include Julian Kostov as Aaron Hunter, Marko Zaror as Chayenne, and JuJu Chan Szeto as Master Lian. Danny Ashok plays Royce, with Hughie O’Donnell as Garrett.
Josh Hartnett performed 100 per cent of his own stunts throughout the production, according to Wikipedia.
Where to watch Fight or Flight movie?
Theatrical release
The film received its United Kingdom theatrical release on 28 February 2025. Audiences in the United States could see the film from 9 May 2025.
Streaming and digital availability
Current availability on UK streaming platforms remains unconfirmed. The film is listed on Apple TV, suggesting potential for digital purchase or rental. No specific subscription streaming window has been announced.
What is the Fight or Flight movie budget?
Production costs
The production budget has not been publicly disclosed by the studios or reported in available financial databases.
Critical reception
Despite the unknown budget, the film has garnered positive critical attention. On Rotten Tomatoes, 76 per cent of 125 critics’ reviews are positive. The consensus praises Hartnett’s “go-for-broke performance,” noting that his acting “gives Fight or Flight wings, sustaining this daffy action-comedy at an entertaining cruising altitude that refreshingly doesn’t wear out its welcome.”
Critics additionally highlighted the strong chemistry between Hartnett and Chandran, with one review noting their dynamic anchors the film’s emotional core amidst the chaos.
Rotten Tomatoes reports a 76 per cent approval rating based on 125 critic reviews, with particular praise for the inventive close-quarters combat sequences.
Neither the production budget nor the worldwide box office figures have been publicly released as of this writing.
When did Fight or Flight enter production?
- Pre-production and development commenced under the John Wick production team at Thunder Road Films.
- Principal photography took place in Hungary, utilising Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for authentic aviation sequences. Wikipedia
- The film premiered in the United Kingdom on 28 February 2025. Wikipedia
- United States theatrical release followed on 9 May 2025. Wikipedia
What has been confirmed about Fight or Flight?
| Established Information | Information Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Plot involves protecting hacker The Ghost on Bangkok-SF flight | Exact production budget |
| Cast includes Hartnett, Chandran, and Sackhoff | Sequel or franchise plans |
| Filmed in Hungary at Budapest Airport | UK streaming platform availability |
| Hartnett performed 100% of own stunts | Specific trailer release chronology |
| RT score: 76% (125 reviews) | Box office revenue figures |
| Plane misses San Francisco landing in climax | Home media release dates |
How does Fight or Flight compare to other action films?
The film occupies a specific niche within the “contained thriller” subgenre, sharing DNA with 2006’s Snakes on a Plane through its aviation setting but distinguishing itself through hand-to-hand combat rather than creature features. The involvement of John Wick producers Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee and Tai Duncan signals a commitment to choreographed physicality that elevates the brawls beyond standard fare.
For Hartnett, the role represents a return to the action roots of his early career, following recent dramatic turns. The physical demands of the part—performing all stunts while confined to aircraft aisles—required a different calibre of performance than his recent work. Fans of ensemble action films might also appreciate the casting approach seen in the The Fall Guy Cast, which similarly mixes seasoned action performers with dramatic actors.
The narrative’s focus on a protector-target dynamic, where the ally relationship develops under extreme duress, offers a character-driven counterpoint to the pure spectacle of the setting. The revelation of The Ghost’s identity as a former trafficking victim adds narrative weight to the otherwise relentless action.
What are the critics saying?
“Hartnett’s go-for-broke performance gives Fight or Flight wings, sustaining this daffy action-comedy at an entertaining cruising altitude that refreshingly doesn’t wear out its welcome.”
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
“The chemistry between Hartnett and Chandran proves essential, grounding the airborne chaos in a believable partnership that carries the film’s emotional stakes.”
Rob Thomas, via Substack analysis
Is Fight or Flight worth watching?
For enthusiasts of contained thrillers and practical stunt work, the film delivers inventive combat within a restrictive setting. Hartnett’s physical commitment and the production’s John Wick pedigree suggest a level of craft that elevates it above standard direct-to-streaming action fare. The positive critical reception indicates successful execution of its high-concept premise, making it a notable entry among 2025’s action releases alongside other stunt-heavy productions featuring talent from The Fall Guy Cast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed Fight or Flight?
James Madigan directed the film, marking his feature directorial debut. He previously worked as a second unit director and stunt coordinator.
Did Josh Hartnett perform his own stunts?
Yes. Hartnett performed 100 per cent of his own stunts during the production, including the close-quarters combat sequences aboard the aircraft.
Where was Fight or Flight filmed?
Principal photography took place in Hungary, with scenes shot at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport and surrounding locations.
What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for Fight or Flight?
The film holds a 76 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 125 critic reviews.
When did Fight or Flight release in the United Kingdom?
The film received its UK theatrical release on 28 February 2025, preceding the United States release by several months.
Is Fight or Flight connected to John Wick?
The film shares producers with the John Wick franchise—Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, and Tai Duncan—but is not narratively connected.
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