Alan Ritchson’s Recent Box Office Struggles

Actor Alan Ritchson, known for his role in Reacher, has faced another disappointing box office performance this year, this time with his film Runner.

A report from a site called Mandatory pointed out that this marks the second time in 2026 that a film starring Ritchson hasn’t done well. Earlier, his action-thriller Motor City also struggled, launching with a $30 million budget but only making a few million dollars before moving to digital formats. This film received decent reviews but failed to attract audiences, highlighting a trend where his streaming success doesn’t translate into theater attendance.

Despite being released in more than 2,500 theaters on September 11, Runner debuted poorly, earning just $6 million on its opening weekend. It continued to struggle, bringing in only $3 million the following weekend.

Internationally, Runner has seen minimal success too, grossing around $1.2 million across various theaters.

Earlier this year, Ritchson’s Motor City had a dismal total gross of $3 million following a release in 1,600 theaters.

Both films, Motor City and Runner, received favorable reviews, particularly within the action genre, so the lack of audience turnout is perplexing.

Both films came with significant financial backing—$30 million for Motor City and a reported $40 million for Runner—not counting marketing expenses.

It raises questions about the decision-making of companies investing heavily in Ritchson’s films while he seems more focused on controversial political statements than on engaging with fans who enjoy his action roles.

This week, Ritchson directed sharp criticism toward President Trump and his supporters, a sentiment he previously expressed in July. He mentioned wanting to expose those involved in scandals, illustrating a passionate yet controversial stance on political issues while promoting his work.

His statements could risk alienating potential fans who enjoy action films and also support Trump, presenting a confusing contradiction in his public persona.

Given these dynamics, one has to wonder why he continues to pursue action roles if he seems intent on distancing himself from an audience that appreciates those types of films. It’s a curious situation, especially for someone with such apparent potential.