Pictures courtesy of Netflix / Agencies
Netflix has partnered with Lionsgate to produce a brand-new sci-fi action movie starring Alan Ritchson, who is becoming a highly sought-after action star. Filming concluded in late 2024 and is currently in the midst of post-production. We expect the film to be released on Netflix sometime in 2026.
Netflix’s War Machine will be directed by Patrick Hughes, whose credits include The Hitman’s Bodyguard, The Expendables 3, The Man From Toronto, and more. The script was co-written by Hughes and James Beaufort. Both Hughes and Beaufort are also attached to Netflix’s The Raid, an upcoming remake of Gareth Edwards’ 2011 action movie.
Hidden Pictures produce the film’ Todd Lieberman and Alex Young, Range Media Partners’ Rich Cook and Hughes’ Huge Film with Greg McLean (Wolf Creek). Scott O’Brien is the executive at Lionsgate who has spearheaded the film.
Interestingly, Netflix already had an original film called War Machine starring Brad Pitt, which was released in 2017. Whether this new movie will retain the same name upon release remains to be seen.
What’s the plot of War Machine?
The plot of Netflix’s War Machine is being kept tightly under wraps. We only know a brief and vague logline for the movie:
“In the final 24 Hours of the world’s toughest selection process, a team of Army Rangers encounter a threat beyond their imagination.”
The movie is described as a sci-fi action thriller, which fits director Patrick Hughes’ resume.
Who is cast in War Machine?
Pictures: Netflix / Agencies
When the project was first unveiled it was announced that Reacher star Alan Ritchson will lead Netflix’s War Machine. Ritchson is firmly establishing himself as a solid go-to action star of this decade and has recently appeared in Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentelmanly Warfare starring Henry Cavill.
Other cast members (first reported by The Hollywood Reporter) include Dennis Quaid (Reagan), Stephan James (If Beale Street Could Talk), Jai Courtney (Suicide Squad), Esai Morales (Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1), Blake Richardson (Mystery Road), Keiynan Lonsdale (The Divergent Series), and Daniel Webber (Billy The Kid).
Ritchson is the lead Ranger candidate with James, Courtney, Richardson, Lonsdale, and Webber playing other aspirants who themselves in way over their heads. Quaid and Morales will play commanding officers in the movie.
Other actors confirmed to star in War Machine are Jake Ryan (The Great Gatsby), Jack Patten (NCIS: Sydney) as 109, Christopher Kirby (Iron Sky), Heather Burridge (Late Night with the Devil) as 122, Victory Ndukwe (We Will Be Monsters) as 135, Matt Testro (Nowhere Boys) as 38, Jacob Hua (Runner), Joshua Diaz (Fantasy Island), Alex King (The Longest Weekend) as 44, and Will Curtin (Love at First Bite) as 42
What’s the production status of War Machine?
Filming for War Machine took place between September 9 and December 17, 2025. Shooting locations were used in various areas of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, as well as in New Zealand, including Wanaka, Queenstown, and Alexandra.
What’s the Netflix release date for War Machine?
Netflix has yet to announce the release date for War Machine. There is a chance the film could still be released in 2025; however, it is one of several incredibly exciting movies we’re expecting to see on the streaming service sometime in 2026.
Are you looking forward to War Machine on Netflix? Let us know in the comments.
