Amber Midthunder & Alan Ritchson Set For Action Franchise Hopeful ‘Painter’ From ‘John Wick’ Scribe Derek Kolstad; FilmNation Launching For AFM

FilmNation Entertainment’s production label, Infrared, is preparing to launch Painter, a potential action franchise led by up-and-coming U.S. actress Amber Midthunder (Prey, Legion), who will star alongside Alan Ritchson (Reacher).

Painter, written by John Wick creator Derek Kolstad, will be directed by Garrett Warren, known for his work as a stunt coordinator on films like Logan, Avatar, and Road House. Warren, a respected figure in Hollywood stunt work, is making the shift into directing with this project.

FilmNation is set to introduce Painter to international buyers at next week’s American Film Market (AFM) in Las Vegas, where the film is expected to be one of the event’s most highly anticipated titles.

The storyline of Painter follows a young woman who, having been rigorously trained from a young age, must put all her skills to the test to rescue her kidnapped father.

The film is produced by Ritchson, Drew Simon (Infrared), Kolstad, Josh Adler (Circle of Confusion), and Dan Spilo (Industry Entertainment), with Infrared providing the financing.

FilmNation is handling international sales for Painter and will co-represent domestic distribution rights in collaboration with CAA Media Finance. The agreement was secured on FilmNation’s behalf by Alison Cohen and Ben Ryzak, with Alan Ritchson represented by Dan Fox, Garrett Warren represented by Puneet Layal (CAA), and Amber Midthunder represented by Darren Trattner.

“Painter will be a seminal action hero film, making Midthunder into this generation’s Sarah Connor (Terminator),” said Drew Simon, President of Production at Infrared. “We loved Kolstad’s high-octane script, and we know with Garrett Warren at the helm, this film will kickstart an exciting new franchise in the world of action.”

In addition to Painter, FilmNation is currently in the awards race with Palme d’Or winner Anora and the Ralph Fiennes-starring Conclave. The company launched its production label Infrared in 2022, focusing on genre films. Infrared’s first completed feature, Novocaine, a thriller featuring Jack Quaid and Midthunder, was acquired by Paramount and is slated for release in March 2025.

Representatives for Warren include WME and CJ Fight. 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.