Alan Ritchson To Star In Action Movie ‘The Runner’; A Higher Standard Launching Black List Script For AFM Ahead Of London Shoot

EXCLUSIVE: Reacher star Alan Ritchson has found his next action project in the shape of Runner, a movie about a high-end courier who has three hours to transport an organ to save a seven-year-old girl in need of an immediate transplant. The seemingly simple mission turns deadly when the leader of a notorious crime syndicate becomes hell-bent on claiming the organ.

Need for Speed and Expendables 4 filmmaker Scott Waugh is aboard to direct the action-thriller, which is being lined up to shoot in London next March.

More from Deadline

• Erika Christensen & Penelope Ann Miller Leading Drama 'After All'; Sublimity Launches Sales For AFM

• Jeremy Irvine, Rupert Everett, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett & Layton Williams Set For Dance Comedy 'The Light Fantastic' - AFM 

• Beta Cinema Boards Sales On Hannes Holm's Comedy 'Let It Rain' With Robert Gustafsson - AFM

A Higher Standard is launching international sales on the Miles Hubley and Tommy White 2023 Black List script ahead of the American Film Market in Las Vegas next month. WME Independent is co-repping domestic with Higher Standard.

Pic is being produced by Todd Garner (Broken Road Productions), Dan Spilo (Industry Entertainment), Ritchson, Mark Fasano (Nickel City Pictures), and Jeffrey Greenstein (A Higher Standard).

Ritchson will soon return in the third season of Reacher, which recently received an early fourth season renewal and remains one of Prime Video’s most-binged Original series. He is currently in production on Netflix action sci-fi War Machine and is set to reprise his role in the untitled eleventh instalment of the Fast and Furious franchise.

Scott Waugh shared: “Runner with the driving force of an actor like Alan Ritchson reminds me of the Tony Scott action films I grew up on in the 90’s when character and story were pivotal and the action was a spectacle. I couldn’t be more excited to direct this super entertaining script and bring the thrilling world of Runner to life.”

“I have been trying to work with Alan for several years now and am absolutely delighted to finally have the opportunity to work together on this remarkable project,” added Mortal Kombat producer Todd Garner.

“Runner is the exact type of film that audiences across the globe crave- a high octane, entertaining film that also has heart and levity,” commented Jeffrey Greenstein of A Higher Standard. “Alan Ritchson is tailor-made for this role and he, his action team and Scott Waugh together will keep you on the edge of your seats on this full throttle ride.”

Ritchson is represented by WME, Industry Entertainment, and Hansen, Jacobson. Waugh is repped by UTA.

Best of Deadline

• Halloween Programming Streaming Guide: From Movies Like 'Hocus Pocus' And 'Halloweentown' To Shows Like 'Wizards Beyond Waverly Place'

• ‘Agatha All Along’ Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Arrive?

• 'The Chicken Sisters' Soundtrack: Every Song You'll Hear In The Hallmark+ Series

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.