An impressive cast is set to bring to life Bart Layton’s adaptation of Don Winslow’s highly regarded crime short story, “Crime 101.” This adaptation comes nearly three years after Amazon won a competitive bidding war against Netflix for the distribution rights, reportedly paying $90 million for the privilege.
Production faced delays due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, but excitement is building as new footage showcases the film ahead of its theatrical release on February 13. Amazon will distribute the film across North America, while Sony will take charge of international markets. With a runtime of 140 minutes, “Crime 101” promises to be a captivating watch.
Originally, Pedro Pascal was cast to play a detective but had to exit the project to focus on “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” He has been replaced by Mark Ruffalo, who will portray the relentless investigator pursuing the story’s elusive jewel thief, played by Chris Hemsworth.
The film unfolds against the backdrop of sun-soaked Los Angeles and follows a jewel thief with a unique moral code as he commits daring heists along the Pacific Coast Highway. As he prepares for a monumental score, he encounters a disenchanted insurance broker, portrayed by Halle Berry, who is at a crossroads in her life. Meanwhile, a detective, played by Ruffalo, believes he has spotted a pattern in the thief’s activities and intensifies his pursuit. This leads to a thrilling clash where the distinctions between hunter and hunted become increasingly blurred, forcing each character to confront significant life choices with no path for retreat.
The film also stars Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Nick Nolte, contributing to a strong ensemble cast that heightens the film’s anticipation. As the release date approaches, fans are eager to see how this compelling story will unfold on screen.