First Look: Alan Ritchson in ‘Motor City’ — Looking Bigger Than Ever Compared to ‘Reacher’

Alan Ritchson is back on the big screen in a huge way, literally. The first look at him in the upcoming action thriller Motor City shows the actor looking even bigger and more intimidating than fans have seen before. Directed by Potsy Ponciroli and written by Chad St. John, the movie will make its world premiere in the Venice Spotlight section at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

The movie stars Ritchson as John Miller, an auto worker whose life is destroyed after he’s framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Sent to prison for something he didn’t do, Miller spends years behind bars. When he’s finally released, he sets out on a mission for revenge against the people who ruined his life.

The cast also includes Shailene Woodley, Ben Foster, and Pablo Schreiber. NJ.com reported that filming took place in New Jersey and in the desert landscapes of al-Ula. Ben Foster, who stars alongside Ritchson, shared in an interview that the film is unusual for a modern action movie because it contains very little talking. “The movie reportedly contains only five lines of dialogue,” he revealed.

This project has had a long road to the screen. St. John’s script first gained attention back in 2009 when it made the prestigious Black List of best unproduced screenplays. In 2011, Warner Bros. was developing the movie with Albert Hughes set to direct and Chris Evans in talks to star.

The project stalled for years, and in 2023, Alan Ritchson was officially announced as the lead, with Timur Bekmambetov briefly attached as director. By May 2024, Potsy Ponciroli had taken over directing duties, and the supporting cast was finalized.

Filming officially began in July 2024. According to reports, production brought high-energy action sequences to the streets of New Jersey as well as striking desert shots in al-Ula.

In Motor City, audiences can expect a gritty, intense revenge thriller with a main character who lets his actions speak louder than his words, literally. The nearly wordless approach is a bold creative choice, especially for a film centered around raw emotion and brutal payback.

Fans will get their first real look when Motor City premieres at the Venice Film Festival later this year. With Alan Ritchson looking bigger and more imposing than ever, and a story fueled by revenge and minimal dialogue, the film promises to be one of the most unique action thrillers of the year.

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