Crime 101 Trailer: Hemsworth, Berry, Ruffalo Heist Thriller

Get ready for a thrilling ride! The first trailer for "Crime 101" just landed, bringing together Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, and Mark Ruffalo for a high-stakes crime drama set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Los Angeles.

TL;DR: The Lowdown on "Crime 101"

Chris Hemsworth stars as Davis, an elusive, ethical jewel thief planning his biggest — and hopefully last — score.
Halle Berry joins as a disillusioned insurance broker, Sharon Colvin, whose path collides with Davis, while Mark Ruffalo is on the hunt as relentless detective Lou Lubesnik.
This star-studded, action-packed crime thriller, directed by Bart Layton, is hitting theaters globally on February 13, 2026.

Alright, cinephiles, gather 'round! We've just gotten our first taste of "Crime 101," and let's just say, it's looking like the kind of stylish, grown-up heist movie we've been craving. Imagine your favorite Avengers stars, Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo, facing off, but this time, it's not about saving the universe – it's about diamonds, deception, and the iconic 101 freeway. Add Academy Award winner Halle Berry to the mix, and you've got a recipe for cinematic gold. Amazon MGM Studios has just unveiled the first trailer, giving us a peek into this intricate world of crime and consequence, and we're officially hyped!

Chris Hemsworth Takes on the Intriguing Role of a Gentleman Thief

Forget Thor's hammer; Chris Hemsworth is trading it in for a different kind of weapon: cunning. In "Crime 101," he plays Davis, a notorious jewel thief who operates along the 101 freeway in Los Angeles. But this isn't your average smash-and-grab artist. Davis is a "gentleman robber" with a strict code: he only steals what insurance can replace and meticulously plans his jobs to ensure no one gets hurt. Seriously, he even keeps a bottle of water for the security guard he locks in the trunk! He's not quite Robin Hood, keeping the loot for himself, but his murky, painful past suggests a deeper, more sympathetic motivation.

"He’s a good guy in a situation doing bad things. There was such a vulnerability to the character that we were trying to explore, in order to have an audience side with him."

— Chris Hemsworth, via Esquire

Hemsworth highlights a profound loneliness in Davis, a man who yearns for the simple family photos he sometimes returns to his victims. This past, combined with a growing "existential crisis" and a desire to quit before it's too late, makes Davis a complex character caught between his past and the elusive promise of a future where he can finally "start to really live." He's looking for that "one last job"—a colossal diamond score—that could set him free. The film's title itself has a double meaning, referring to both an introductory course in crime and the infamous Los Angeles freeway that serves as Davis's primary getaway route.

Mark Ruffalo's Relentless Pursuit: Detective Lou Lubesnik is Closing In

On the other side of the law is Mark Ruffalo as Lieutenant "Lou" Lubesnik, a restless detective who's been tirelessly tracking the elusive 101 bandit. While his colleagues suspect various Colombian cartels, Lou has cracked the pattern, convinced it's the work of a single "lone wolf." He may not know Davis's name or face, but he knows his values, his methods, and the lines he won't cross. This cat-and-mouse dynamic is what makes a great thriller, and seeing two MCU veterans go head-to-head promises some serious fireworks.

Hemsworth even revealed that their long-standing relationship from playing Thor and Hulk added an interesting layer to their on-screen dynamic:

"I don’t care what people say; there’s always an overlap with you off-screen and onscreen... Once we got on set, there was almost a paternal relationship there, which I have felt with Mark. He was far more experienced when I came into the Marvel space, and certainly he has given me some wonderful advice over the years."

— Chris Hemsworth, via Esquire

So, expect a nuanced rivalry built on years of shared experience, both in and out of character. Lou is closing in, but Davis is preparing for his ultimate exit. The stage is set for an inevitable collision, as the detective's astute observations mean he doesn't just know the bandit's methods, but truly knows him.

Halle Berry Navigates Her Own Crossroads as the Insurance Broker Sharon Colvin

Adding another powerful dimension to this crime saga is Halle Berry, who portrays Sharon Colvin, a disillusioned high-end insurance broker. Sharon is tasked with underwriting the security for a multi-million dollar diamond transfer – the very score Davis is targeting. She's spent her career mitigating risk for the ultra-wealthy, often working alongside detectives like Lubesnik, but she's reached her own "crossroads."

"In Halle’s character, there’s a sense that she’s done everything right. She’s pursued this career that contained the promise of wealth and status and all the rest of it and then arrives at a place, which I guess some of us do, where you think, Was it all worth it, and is it going to deliver?"

— Bart Layton, director of "Crime 101", via Esquire

Sharon's loyalty is ambiguous. While she's been "slapped away" by her own firm too many times, both Davis and Lubesnik could use her as an ally. Her journey reflects the film's broader theme of "status anxiety"—the emotional toll of pursuing material success at the cost of personal fulfillment. As her path crosses with Davis, she finds herself drawn into the very risks she's paid to manage, blurring the lines between hunter and hunted. Berry herself hinted at the strong female representation in the film, expressing her excitement for audiences to see it.

A Seriously Stacked Ensemble Cast Brings Even More Depth to This Thriller

Beyond the main trio, "Crime 101" boasts an incredible supporting cast that promises to elevate every scene. Bart Layton clearly spared no expense, filling even the smaller roles with powerhouse talent, ensuring every interaction and subplot is rich with character and potential for unexpected twists:

Barry Keoghan as Ormon: Prepare for a darker side of Keoghan! Known for "Saltburn" and his Oscar-nominated turn in "The Banshees of Inisherin," Keoghan plays Ormon, a volatile, canary-haired punk on a motorbike. His "smash-and-grab" brutality is the alarming opposite of Davis's careful, violence-free approach. Director Bart Layton, who previously worked with Keoghan on "American Animals," tailored the role to his unique ability to combine a tough exterior with deep sadness, showing "a chink in the armor of a vulnerable kid, someone who’s been exploited."
Nick Nolte as "Money": The legendary Nick Nolte plays the mysterious "Money," a long-time fence who manipulates both Ormon and Davis. He's the one who takes the goods, launders them, and disburses the cash, often grooming troubled and vulnerable kids into perpetrating bigger and more dangerous crimes.
Monica Barbaro as Maya: The "Top Gun: Maverick" star plays a prospective love interest for Davis. He's drawn to her but keeps her at arm's length, unable to reveal his true identity or what he truly does for a living.
Corey Hawkins as Detective Tillman: Ruffalo's partner, Detective Tillman, is portrayed by the talented Corey Hawkins ("In the Heights," "The Tragedy of Macbeth"). Layton specifically wanted someone who could subtly challenge Ruffalo's character, creating a sense that Lou could be "upstaged and outshone" by a younger, more ambitious colleague.
Jennifer Jason Leigh as Angie: Leigh ("Fargo") appears as Angie, Lubesnik's estranged wife, making the most of her screen time to deliver "withering truths" to her oblivious husband.
Additional cast members include Tate Donovan (playing a "rich asshole" whose dubious diamonds are a target), Devon Bostick, Payman Maadi, Babak Tatfi, Deborah Hedwall, Paul Adelstein, Drew Powell, Matthew Del Negro, and John Douglas.

Bart Layton's Vision: A Modern Homage to Classic Heist Films

"Crime 101" is an adaptation of Don Winslow's novella, found in his 2020 short-story collection "Broken." Director and co-writer Bart Layton ("American Animals," "The Imposter") received Winslow's blessing to expand the story, adding layers that speak to contemporary anxieties. Layton describes the film as a throwback to glossy, high-octane movies of yesteryear, drawing undeniable homages to classics like Steve McQueen’s "The Thomas Crown Affair" and "The Getaway," as well as Michael Mann’s iconic L.A. crime stories "Thief" and "Heat."

"They were grown-up, intelligent, Saturday-night popcorn movies, and I definitely felt like, Wouldn’t it be great to bring something of that back?"

— Bart Layton, director of "Crime 101", via Esquire

Layton and co-writer Peter Straughan (who previously won an Academy Award for best adapted screenplay for his work on "Conclave" in 2025) delve into themes of "status anxiety" and the "existential crisis" felt by all the characters. There's a running motif of reflections throughout the film, representing the characters' internal struggle to confront their true selves. As Hemsworth puts it, "The ambiguity of life is far more truthful than the black-or-white." This exploration of what drives people to extreme lengths, coupled with a stylish, grounded aesthetic, promises a smart and satisfying crime drama that truly feels like a modern classic in the making.

What to Expect from This Star-Powered Thriller Upon Its Release

From the moment the trailer hit, "Crime 101" has been positioned as a must-see for fans of smart crime dramas and anyone eager to see an all-star cast deliver electrifying performances. With its intricate plot, compelling characters, and homage to beloved genre classics, it aims to be more than just another heist film. It’s a deep dive into human motivations, the blurred lines of morality, and the consequences of choices made under pressure, promising to keep viewers on the edge of their seats with high stakes, fast cars, and clever twists.

Amazon MGM Studios will be distributing the film in the United States, with Sony Pictures Releasing International handling global distribution. This partnership suggests a wide theatrical release, signaling the studios' confidence in its blockbuster potential. So mark your calendars, because this is one cinematic event you won't want to miss! We're talking about a film that could redefine what a "Saturday-night popcorn movie" can be, blending intelligence with explosive action.

Frequently Asked Questions About "Crime 101"

"Crime 101" Trailer Drops: Hemsworth, Berry, Ruffalo Lead Epic Heist image 3

When is the "Crime 101" release date? The film is set to hit theaters globally on February 13, 2026. Australian audiences might get a slight head start with a February 12th release. Where can I watch "Crime 101"? "Crime 101" will be released exclusively in theaters worldwide. Amazon MGM Studios is handling U.S. distribution, while Sony Pictures Releasing International will manage international distribution. Who are the main stars in "Crime 101"? The film features a powerhouse cast including Chris Hemsworth as the jewel thief Davis, Halle Berry as insurance broker Sharon Colvin, and Mark Ruffalo as detective Lou Lubesnik. Other notable stars include Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Nick Nolte. Is "Crime 101" based on a book? Yes, "Crime 101" is an adaptation of Don Winslow's novella of the same name, which was published in his 2020 short-story collection "Broken."