Hollywood’s latest high-concept action movie brings together a powerhouse mix of talent and experience. Walton Goggins and Amber Midthunder are set to star in Painter, an upcoming action thriller that has James Cameron attached as executive producer.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, 20th Century Studios has officially acquired the project following strong industry interest. Blending emotional storytelling with stylized action, Painter aims to deliver a fresh, character-driven narrative under the creative guidance of some of Hollywood’s most respected names.
Amber Midthunder and Walton Goggins Lead the Cast of Painter
At its heart, Painter tells the gripping story of a highly trained young woman who must use every skill she’s mastered to save her kidnapped father. The plot promises to fuse raw emotion with relentless tension — a hallmark of modern action thrillers.
Amber Midthunder, best known for her breakout role in Prey, leads the cast as the determined daughter. Opposite her is Walton Goggins, one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, taking on the role of her father.
The film originally had Alan Ritchson attached, but scheduling issues led to his exit, with Goggins stepping in soon after. The Wrap reported that his casting brings depth and emotional gravity to the central relationship, setting the tone for a high-stakes family rescue story.
Derek Kolstad’s Painter Promises Stylish, High-Impact Action
Written by Derek Kolstad, the creator of the John Wick franchise, Painter carries the creative DNA of his signature storytelling — sleek world-building, tightly choreographed action, and emotionally charged character arcs. Kolstad’s involvement ensures that the film’s tension and pacing will align with the modern trend of grounded yet explosive action cinema.
The director, Garrett Warren, is making his feature debut after a long and celebrated career as a stunt coordinator on projects such as Avatar, Logan, and Alita: Battle Angel. His transition to the director’s chair promises practical stunt work and authentic, kinetic fight sequences that will keep audiences on edge.
Production is led by FilmNation’s Infrared Pictures, with Drew Simon, Kolstad, and Josh Adler producing. The project marks a strong collaboration between industry veterans and new-age action specialists.
James Cameron’s Role Elevates Painter to Studio-Level Prestige
Having James Cameron as executive producer gives Painter an undeniable boost in profile and credibility. Known for shaping modern blockbuster filmmaking with Titanic, Terminator 2, and the Avatar franchise, Cameron’s oversight signals that Painter won’t just be another action movie — it will likely carry a balance of spectacle and story that defines his best work.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, 20th Century Studios acquired the film after Cameron came aboard, confident that the combination of Kolstad’s writing and Warren’s stunt expertise could create a commercially viable yet emotionally grounded action thriller.
Warren’s long-standing association with Cameron through previous projects ensures shared creative synergy — one that will likely influence Painter’s visual design and action sequences.
Why Walton Goggins and Amber Midthunder Make a Perfect Pair
For Walton Goggins, who has delivered standout performances in The Hateful Eight, Justified, and Fallout, Painter represents both a return to the big screen and an opportunity to headline an action film with emotional stakes. Known for his charisma and complexity, Goggins brings a human touch to genre storytelling.
Amber Midthunder, on the other hand, continues her ascent as one of the most exciting young performers in Hollywood. After the critical success of Prey, she has positioned herself as a leading face of female-led action cinema. Painter will test her physical range while allowing her to anchor a story of family, survival, and resilience.
Together, Goggins and Midthunder form a dynamic on-screen duo — both grounded in realism yet capable of commanding intense, high-stakes storytelling.
20th Century Studios’ New Action Thriller Targets Global Audiences
With 20th Century Studios distributing and FilmNation producing, Painter is being positioned as a major theatrical release. The film is currently in pre-production, with principal photography expected to begin soon. No official release date has been announced, but insiders suggest a late 2026 window is being considered depending on production timelines.
The studio’s decision to back a standalone original story rather than a franchise sequel reflects a growing appetite for original, character-driven action thrillers that can resonate globally.
Cameron’s creative involvement and 20th Century’s support also signal confidence in the project’s potential to evolve into a new action series — a possibility bolstered by Kolstad’s proven franchise track record.
Derek Kolstad Expands His Action Universe Beyond John Wick
Having revolutionized the genre with John Wick, Derek Kolstad continues to expand his storytelling reach with Painter. His screenplays often explore the moral consequences of violence, and this time he grounds the narrative in a father-daughter bond — maintaining emotional resonance without losing intensity.
Kolstad’s growing portfolio — from Nobody to The Continental — shows his commitment to redefining action storytelling through minimalism, character depth, and clean, purposeful fight choreography. Painter is expected to build on this creative evolution.
Why George Clooney and Annette Bening’s The Painter Deserves Attention
While it’s too early to predict how The Painter will resonate with audiences, the film’s creative lineup certainly demands attention. With George Clooney and Annette Bening reuniting under the direction of Paul Weitz, the project brings together a team known for character-driven storytelling and emotional depth.
The film’s thematic focus on art, aging, and human connection could make it a thought-provoking drama, but its success will ultimately depend on how the story translates on screen. As anticipation builds, The Painter stands out as one of 2025’s most intriguing upcoming films.
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