FilmNation Entertainment’s production branch, Infrared, is preparing to launch a potential action franchise with Painter, starring rising U.S. actress Amber Midthunder (Prey, Legion) alongside Alan Ritchson (Reacher).
The script for Painter was penned by Derek Kolstad (John Wick), and it will be directed by Garrett Warren, known for his stunt coordination on films like Logan, Avatar, and Road House. Warren, a respected stunt specialist in Hollywood, is now making his transition into directing.
FilmNation plans to introduce Painter to buyers at the upcoming American Film Market (AFM) in Las Vegas, where it is expected to be a sought-after title.
Painter follows a young woman, trained from an early age, who must use every skill she possesses to save her father after he is abducted.
The film is being produced by Ritchson, Drew Simon (Infrared), Kolstad, Josh Adler (Circle of Confusion), and Dan Spilo (Industry Entertainment), with Infrared financing the project.
FilmNation is managing Painter’s international sales and will share domestic rights representation with CAA Media Finance.
The agreement for the film was negotiated by Alison Cohen and Ben Ryzak for FilmNation, with representation from Dan Fox for Alan Ritchson, Puneet Layal (CAA) for Garrett Warren, and Darren Trattner for Amber Midthunder.
“Painter will be a defining action hero film, positioning Midthunder as this generation’s Sarah Connor (Terminator),” said Drew Simon, Infrared’s President of Production.
“We were thrilled by Kolstad’s high-energy script, and with Garrett Warren directing, we’re confident this film will launch an exciting new action franchise.”
Currently, FilmNation is in the awards circuit with Anora, the Palme d’Or winner, and Conclave starring Ralph Fiennes.
Since launching its Infrared label in 2022 with a focus on genre films, Infrared’s first completed feature, Novocaine—a thriller starring Jack Quaid and Midthunder—was acquired by Paramount and is slated for release in March 2025.
Warren is represented by WME. Kolstad is represented by UTA, Circle Management + Production, and Behr Abramson Levy Johnson.
Midthunder is represented by CAA, Corner Booth Entertainment, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman, while Ritchson is represented by WME, Dan Spilo of Industry Entertainment, and Hansen, Jacobson.
