Get ready for the ultimate heist thriller of 2026 as Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry team up in Crime 101, based on Don Winslow’s gripping novel. This high-stakes cat-and-mouse game pits Hemsworth’s cunning thief against Mark Ruffalo’s relentless detective, with Berry’s mysterious character adding explosive tension.
Scheduled for a Presidents’ Day weekend release, the film promises heart-pounding action and psychological depth rarely seen in the genre. Early buzz suggests it could redefine Hemsworth’s career and earn Berry another Oscar nomination. Will audiences witness the birth of a new crime classic?
- “Crime 101” starring Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry releases February 13, 2026, strategically timed for Presidents’ Day weekend.
- The film features Hemsworth as a cunning thief facing off against Mark Ruffalo’s detective, with Berry’s mysterious character caught in the middle.
- Halle Berry’s performance sparks Oscar buzz, potentially marking her first major nomination since her 2002 win for “Monster’s Ball.”
- Inspired by real unsolved Pacific Coast Highway heists, the story blends authentic crime details with Hollywood thriller elements.
- Director Bart Layton distinguishes the film from “Ocean’s 11” by emphasizing grittier, psychological suspense over playful heist tropes.
Crime 101 Movie: Release Date, Cast & Everything We Know
Crime 101, the upcoming heist thriller starring Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, and Mark Ruffalo, is set to hit theaters on February 13, 2026. The film, based on Don Winslow’s gripping novel, promises an electrifying battle of wits as Hemsworth’s cunning thief goes head-to-head with Ruffalo’s relentless detective, while Berry’s mysterious character adds a layer of intrigue. Early footage showcases intense cat-and-mouse sequences through Los Angeles, with Berry’s character serving as Hemsworth’s unpredictable ally.
Amazon MGM Studios has strategically chosen Presidents’ Day weekend for the release, aiming to capitalize on the holiday moviegoing audience. The timing is ideal for adult-oriented thrillers, as previous hits like The Batman have shown. However, some wonder if it will clash with other blockbusters scheduled for that month.
Chris Hemsworth’s Unexpected Crime Genre History
While Chris Hemsworth is best known for his role as Thor in the MCU, he has quietly built an impressive resume in the crime genre. His debut in 2009’s Star Trek featured a heroic sacrifice, while 2015’s Blackhat saw him as a hacker caught in a cybercrime conspiracy. The upcoming Crime 101 marks his first proper heist thriller, though fans might remember his comedic turn in Ghostbusters (2016) involved stealing ghosts.
Hemsworth’s Crime Film Evolution
- 2009: Star Trek (George Kirk’s heroic last stand)
- 2015: Blackhat (cybercrime thriller)
- 2026: Crime 101 (sophisticated heist mastermind)
Will Halle Berry Finally Get Another Oscar Nomination?
Halle Berry’s role as a determined detective in Crime 101 has already generated awards buzz. Since her historic 2002 Oscar win for Monster’s Ball, Berry has delivered powerful performances in projects like John Wick: Chapter 3 (2019) that many felt deserved recognition. Industry insiders suggest her Crime 101 character – a world-weary cop with personal stakes in the case – offers the perfect vehicle for another nomination.
Is Crime 101 Based on a True Story?
While Crime 101 is a work of fiction, author Don Winslow drew inspiration from real unsolved jewelry heists along the Pacific Coast Highway in the 1990s. The novel (and film) fictionalizes these events with heightened cinematic drama, but the core premise of an exceptionally clever thief leaving minimal evidence mirrors actual cases. Interestingly, law enforcement experts have praised the story’s authentic investigative details despite its Hollywood sheen.
Who Has More Screen Time – Chris Hemsworth or Mark Ruffalo?
Set photos and early trailers suggest Chris Hemsworth dominates screen time as the charming criminal mastermind, while Mark Ruffalo appears in a supporting role as the FBI agent coordinating the investigation. Rumors of tension between the two Marvel alumni proved unfounded – sources confirm they shared only a few scenes but developed mutual respect. Their limited on-screen confrontation makes those moments more impactful in the final cut.
| Actor | Role | Estimated Screen Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Hemsworth | Master Thief | 65% |
| Halle Berry | Detective | 60% |
| Mark Ruffalo | FBI Agent | 35% |
Crime 101 vs Ocean’s 11: Which Heist Movie Will Stand the Test of Time?
Early comparisons to Ocean’s 11 are inevitable but misguided according to director Bart Layton. Where Soderbergh’s film celebrated sleek fun, Crime 101 presents a grittier, more psychologically complex take on the genre. The pacing reportedly mimics classic 70s thrillers like The French Connection, favoring suspense over flashy set pieces. That said, Hemsworth’s natural charisma brings a similar magnetic energy to his criminal role as Clooney did in Ocean’s.
Key Differences Between the Films
- Tone: Ocean’s = Playful, Crime 101 = Tense
- Team Size: Ocean’s = Ensemble, Crime 101 = Solo mastermind
- Styling: Ocean’s = Vegas glitz, Crime 101 = Coastal noir
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