One of the most promising action movies of 2026 is bypassing theaters and heading straight to streaming. Painter, starring Walton Goggins and Amber Midthunder, is now set for a Hulu debut, according to Deadline.
The decision reflects a growing trend: mid-budget action films produced by 20th Century Studios are increasingly launching on streaming instead of in cinemas. Another recent example is Eenie Meanie, which followed a similar release strategy.
What Is Painter About?
Painter centers on a young woman trained from childhood who must use every skill at her disposal to rescue her father after he is kidnapped.
- Amber Midthunder plays the highly trained daughter
- Walton Goggins stars as her kidnapped father
The film blends survival action, close-quarters combat, and high-intensity stunt work, positioning it firmly in the modern action-thriller space.
Who Is Behind the Film?
Painter was scripted by Derek Kolstad, best known as the creator of John Wick, and is executive-produced by James Cameron.
It marks the feature directorial debut of Garrett Warren, a veteran stunt coordinator whose past credits include Logan, Avatar: The Way of Water, Road House, and F1. His background suggests a heavy emphasis on practical stunts and grounded action.
Cameron reportedly took interest in the project last fall, leading to its acquisition by 20th Century Studios.
Who Else Is in the Cast?
In addition to Midthunder and Goggins, the cast includes:
- Ving Rhames
- Claes Bang
- Florian Munteanu
- Daniel Bernhardt (star of the recent Deathstalker remake and a frequent on-screen foe of Keanu Reeves and Bob Odenkirk)
When the project was first announced, Alan Ritchson was attached to star, but he later exited due to scheduling conflicts. The film recently wrapped production in Serbia.
Why Is Derek Kolstad Such a Big Deal for Action Fans?
Kolstad has proven to have a strong track record when it comes to launching action franchises. Beyond John Wick, he also wrote the Nobody films starring Bob Odenkirk. Kolstad also penned Normal, another action project centered on Odenkirk, further cementing his niche in character-driven, high-impact action storytelling.
Is Painter Skipping Theaters a Bad Sign?
That depends on perspective. While some fans may be disappointed that Painter won’t get a theatrical run, its Hulu debut could also mean a larger immediate audience and fewer box-office pressures. For mid-budget action films, streaming is increasingly becoming the default—not the exception.
Are you bummed that Painter is skipping theaters, or is this just another sign of how action movies are evolving? Let us know in the comments.
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