Crime 101: The Making of a Blockbuster Thriller Starring Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo
Before Mark Ruffalo joined the cast of Crime 101, Pedro Pascal was initially set to star alongside Chris Hemsworth in the crime thriller based on Don Winslow's novella. However, Pascal had to exit the project due to scheduling conflicts, leading to Ruffalo taking on the role. Amazon MGM Studios acquired the film after a bidding war with Netflix, with a reported deal worth $90 million. The movie, directed by Bart Layton, premiered in London on January 28, 2026, and had a theatrical release in the U.S. on February 13, 2026.
In Crime 101, Hemsworth plays jewel thief Mike Davis, with Ruffalo portraying the detective on his trail. The story revolves around Davis' heists along the 101 freeway, suspected to be cartel-related by law enforcement. Detective Lubesnick, played by Ruffalo, believes otherwise and sets out to stop Davis before his final job. The film is described as a gripping crime story reminiscent of "Heat."
The star-studded supporting cast includes Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Nolte, and Halle Berry. Produced by a team that includes Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, and Chris Hemsworth, Crime 101 was shot in Los Angeles starting in October 2024. The film, distributed by Amazon MGM in North America and Sony Pictures internationally, has a runtime of 140 minutes and received an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
In conclusion, Crime 101 underwent a casting change that brought Mark Ruffalo into the lead role alongside Chris Hemsworth. The film, directed by Bart Layton, offers a thrilling crime narrative that has garnered critical acclaim and features a talented ensemble cast.