Angel Studios Loads Up 2026 Slate with Owen Wilson and Alan Ritchson Thriller, a Western Reboot, and Hershey Biopic — GeekTyrant

Angel Studios is gearing up for a packed 2026. With a growing footprint in theatrical releases, the distributor just revealed a fresh wave of films that adds even more variety to its already expanding lineup. From action thrillers to historical dramas and a reimagined Western, there’s a little bit of everything on deck.

Leading the charge is Runner, a thriller directed by Scott Waugh and starring Owen Wilson alongside Alan Ritchson. The film is set to hit theaters on September 11, giving Angel a high-profile fall release with some serious star power.

The studio is also diving into classic territory with a new take on Angel and the Badman, the 1947 Western originally led by John Wayne. This updated version will feature Tommy Lee Jones, bringing a seasoned presence to the reimagined story.

Angel is also stepping into Cold War drama with a film centered on the relationship between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, starring Jeff Daniels and Jared Harris.

On the biopic side, Milton Hershey will explore the life of the iconic chocolate entrepreneur, with Finn Wittrock taking on the lead role.

Rounding out the newly announced projects is Drummer Boy, a holiday musical that aims to bring some seasonal energy to the slate.

These additions bring Angel Studios up to ten films planned for 2026, building on the momentum from recent theatrical hits like David, The King of Kings, and the Kevin James-led romantic comedy Solo Mio. The studio’s growing presence at the box office continues to be fueled by its unique distribution approach, which leans heavily on feedback and support from its 2.2 million-member Angel Guild.

The previously announced lineup is just as ambitious. Animal Farm, directed by Andy Serkis, arrives May 1 with a voice cast packed with recognizable names. Then there’s Young Washington, directed by Jon Erwin and featuring Kelsey Grammer, Mary-Louise Parker, Ben Kingsley, and William Franklyn-Miller as a young George Washington. That one lands July 3.

Closing out the year is Zero A.D., an epic biblical story from Alejandro Monteverde. The film follows Mary’s journey to protect Jesus and stars Deva Cassel, Sam Worthington, Jim Caviezel, and Ben Mendelsohn, with a Christmas release planned.

“CinemaCon marks an important moment for us to show where Angel is headed,” said Brandon Purdie, executive vice president and head of theatrical, Angel. “Our 2026 slate is a celebration of what makes moviegoing matter – cinematic stories designed to be experienced together on the big screen, and it reflects our belief that the power of cinema lies in bringing people together for unforgettable, shared experiences.”

“This slate demonstrates that with engaging subjects, established stars, and engrossing storytelling, Angel has gone from aspiring to achieving,” said Neal Harmon, co-founder and CEO, Angel. “This marks an exciting step forward in our mission to launch projects created with our audience, not just for them. All of this made possible and kept authentic by the passion and power of our more than 2.2 million Angel Guild members.”

Ever since Sound of Freedom broke out in 2023, Angel Studios has been carving out its own lane in the theatrical space. This new slate shows the company isn’t slowing down, and it’s clearly aiming to mix crowd-pleasing entertainment with stories that resonate with its core audience.

If this lineup delivers, 2026 could be a major year for Angel at the box office.