Beast (2026 film)

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Beast
Theatrical release poster
Directed byTyler Atkins
Written by
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyThomaz Labanca
Edited byTodd E. Miller
Music byBrian Cachia
Production
companies
  • Deepwater Films
  • Black Pearl Productions
  • Broken Open Pictures
  • Storm Alley Entertainment
  • Armagh Films
  • One Championship
Distributed by
  • Lionsgate and Grindstone Entertainment Group (United States)
  • Rialto Distribution (Australia)
Release dates
  • April 10, 2026 (2026-04-10) (United States)
  • April 23, 2026 (2026-04-23) (Australia)
Running time
113 minutes[1]
Countries
  • United States
  • Australia
LanguageEnglish
Box office$1.3 million[2]

Beast is a 2026 sports action drama film set in the world of mixed martial arts, and starring Russell Crowe, Luke Hemsworth and Daniel MacPherson.

Plot

MMA legend Patton James, now a commercial fisherman, is pulled back into the cage when his brother is in danger. Reuniting with his old coach Sammy, he commits to one final fight in ONE Championship against its champion Xavier Grau.

Cast

Production

The film is produced by Broken Open Pictures and is directed by Tyler Atkins; it was originally announced through the working title The Beast in Me.[3] Russell Crowe co-wrote the script with David Frigerio, who will produce alongside Tim O'Hair and John Schwarz. Crowe also leads the cast with Daniel MacPherson.[3] The cast also includes Luke Hemsworth, Mojean Aria, Kelly Gale, George Burgess, Bren Foster, Saphira Moran, and Australian musician Amy Shark, who makes her feature film debut.[4][5]

One Championship are collaborating with the film. Principal photography took place in Bangkok at the Impact Arena, where ONE 170: Tawanchai vs. Superbon 2 event on January 24, 2025 provided the setting for a key scene.[6] Additional footage was filmed throughout the week-long event.[7]

Release

In October 2025, Grindstone Entertainment Group acquired domestic distribution rights to the film.[8] Beast was released in the United States on April 10, 2026.[9] It was also released in Australia on April 23, by Rialto Distribution.[10]

Reception

Critical response

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 78% of 27 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.0/10.[11]

See also

References

  1. "Beast [MA 15+]". Australian Classification Board. March 7, 2026. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
  2. "Beast". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved April 27, 2026.
  3. Kay, Jeremy (February 14, 2023). "Russell Crowe, Daniel MacPherson MMA action title 'The Beast In Me' heads to EFM with the solution". Screen Daily. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  4. Wiseman, Andreas (February 13, 2025). "'Beast In Me': First Images Revealed Of Russell Crowe, Daniel MacPherson & Luke Hemsworth MMA Action Movie — EFM". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  5. Douglas, Nicole (February 18, 2025). "Russell Crowe, Luke Hemsworth and Daniel MacPherson to star in Stan Original Film Beast In Me - as Amy Shark makes her movie debut". Nine.com.au. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
  6. Frater, Patrick (September 11, 2024). "One Championship, Martial Arts Franchise, Boards Russell Crowe Sports Film 'The Beast in Me' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  7. "'THE BEAST IN ME': RUSSELL CROWE TO STAR IN MOVIE FILMED AT ONE FRIDAY FIGHTS IN JAN. 2025". Combat Press. September 20, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  8. D'Alessandro, Anthony (October 29, 2025). "Russell Crowe MMA Action Movie 'Beast In Me' Acquired By Grindstone Entertainment". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
  9. Edwards, Christopher (February 19, 2026). "Russell Crowe Coaches Daniel MacPherson to MMA Glory in Beast Trailer (Exclusive)". People. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  10. Griffiths, Neil (March 6, 2026). "Australian Russell Crowe Film 'Beast' Gets Cinema Release Date". Variety Australia. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
  11. "Beast". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved June 7, 2026.