Mel Gibson Directs Mark Wahlberg in High-Stakes Thriller ‘Flight Risk’

Mel Gibson returns to the director’s chair with the action thriller ‘Flight Risk,’ starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace. The film, set to release in late January 2025, follows a private pilot transporting an Air Marshal and a fugitive across the Alaskan wilderness, where tensions rise and trust is tested. This marks Gibson’s first directorial effort since the critically acclaimed ‘Hacksaw Ridge‘ in 2016.

‘Flight Risk’ was originally slated for an October 2024 release but was delayed to avoid a crowded box office. The film’s new release date positions it as a standout in the typically quiet January movie season. Lionsgate, the studio behind the project, hopes the film will replicate the success of other January thrillers like ‘The Beekeeper‘ and ‘Den of Thieves.’

The plot centers on Wahlberg’s character, a pilot with questionable motives, who must navigate a high-stakes situation as secrets unravel mid-flight. Dockery plays the Air Marshal tasked with escorting Grace’s fugitive character to testify in a high-profile criminal case. The film’s second trailer, released recently, highlights the intense atmosphere and Wahlberg’s menacing performance.

Gibson’s involvement has drawn attention, though marketing efforts have downplayed his role due to past controversies. The director, known for hits like ‘Braveheart’ and ‘Hacksaw Ridge,’ brings his signature intensity to the project. Screenwriter Jared Rosenberg penned the script, with Gibson also serving as a producer alongside Bruce Davey and John Davis.

Box office projections suggest ‘Flight Risk’ could earn between $15 million and $20 million domestically, depending on audience reception and marketing efforts. The film faces limited competition in the action-thriller genre until the release of ‘Captain America: Brave New World‘ in February 2025.

With its star-studded cast, gripping premise, and Gibson’s directorial prowess, ‘Flight Risk’ aims to captivate audiences and carve out a niche in the early 2025 movie lineup.