Alan Ritchson's "Motor City" Promises a Dialogue-Light, Action-Heavy Revenge Tale

The "Reacher" star leads a period revenge flick set in 1970s Detroit with a unique focus on music and minimal dialogue.

Jul 13, 2026
Entertainment (TV, Movies, Anime)
Alan Ritchson's "Motor City" Promises a Dialogue-Light, Action-Heavy Revenge Tale

Alan Ritchson, known for his roles in "Reacher" and as War Machine, is set to star in the upcoming action film "Motor City." Described as a period revenge flick, the movie is set in 1970s Detroit and features Ritchson as John Miller, a "working-class romantic" who seeks vengeance after being framed by a gangster and spending years in prison.

The film distinguishes itself with a strong emphasis on action and a deliberate lack of dialogue. According to one of the film's stars, "Motor City" features only "five lines of dialogue." Instead of extensive exposition, the movie relies on a "thunderous rock score, precision-crafted action, and immersive sound design" to deliver a visceral experience, as stated by distributor Independent Film Company.

An exclusive clip from the film showcases Miller's unconventional methods of revenge, employing a sawed-off shotgun and improvising with everyday objects like an engagement ring and pennies when traditional ammunition runs out. The visual approach, combined with the score, aims to create a propulsive spectacle.

"Motor City" also features performances from Shailene Woodley, Pablo Schreiber, Ben Foster, and Ben McKenzie. The screenplay was penned by Chad St. John, known for his work on "London Has Fallen" and "The Punisher: Dirty Laundry," and the film is directed by Potsy Ponciroli, whose previous work includes "Greedy People" and "Old Henry."

The film premiered at last year's Venice Film Festival and is scheduled for a wide release in movie theaters on July 24. A full trailer has been released, highlighting the film's musical score and Ritchson's appearance in various wigs.

Sources