Mark your calendars because we finally have a concrete answer for when is Flight Risk coming out. Lionsgate has officially locked in the theatrical release date for January 24, 2025. It feels like we’ve been waiting forever for this one, mostly because the premise is so contained and claustrophobic that it practically begs to be seen on a massive screen where you can't escape the tension.
The movie is a massive deal for a few reasons. First, it marks Mel Gibson’s return to the director's chair since Hacksaw Ridge back in 2016. That’s nearly a decade. Second, Mark Wahlberg is playing against type in a way that’s honestly kind of jarring. He’s bald. He’s playing a pilot who might be a hitman. Or he is a hitman pretending to be a pilot? Either way, the buzz is real.
Why the Flight Risk Release Date Kept Shifting
Originally, there was a lot of chatter about a late 2024 release. That didn't happen. Hollywood schedules are a mess right now due to the lingering effects of the strikes and a crowded winter slate, so Lionsgate pushed it to the "January pocket." People used to call January a "dumping ground" for bad movies, but that’s just not true anymore. Look at hits like M3GAN or The Beekeeper. They thrived in January because there’s less competition.
By moving the Flight Risk release date to January 24, the studio is giving it room to breathe. It won't get crushed by the big Christmas blockbusters or the heavy Oscar dramas that dominate December. It’s a smart move for a mid-budget thriller that relies on word-of-mouth and a "what happens next" hook.
The Plot: High-Altitude Paranoia
The story is deceptively simple. Michelle Dockery (who you probably know as Lady Mary from Downton Abbey) plays an Air Marshall. She’s transporting a federal witness, played by Topher Grace, across the Alaskan wilderness in a small plane. The witness is set to testify against a mob boss, so stakes are already high. Enter Mark Wahlberg.
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Wahlberg plays Daryl Booth, the pilot. But as the flight progresses, Dockery’s character starts to realize that Daryl might not be who he says he is. The entire movie basically takes place inside this tiny Cessna. It’s a pressure cooker. If you’ve seen the trailer, you know the moment Wahlberg’s character drops the "nice guy" act and shows that terrifyingly smooth scalp—it changes the whole energy of the film.
Mark Wahlberg’s Transformation
Let’s talk about the look. Wahlberg went full "Friar Tuck" for this role. He actually shaved the top of his head instead of using a bald cap. That kind of commitment is rare for a guy who usually plays the handsome lead. He told Entertainment Weekly that his wife and kids weren't exactly thrilled with the look, but he felt it was necessary to disappear into the character of a deceptive, potentially psychopathic pilot.
It’s a huge departure. We’re used to Wahlberg being the hero. In Flight Risk, he’s the primary source of dread. Gibson seems to be leaning into that cognitive dissonance—using our familiarity with Wahlberg to make us feel even more unsettled.
Mel Gibson Back Behind the Camera
Gibson is a controversial figure, there's no way around that. But purely from a craft perspective, the industry knows he’s a powerhouse director. Apocalypto and Braveheart are masterclasses in pacing. With Flight Risk, he’s working with a much smaller canvas.
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Directing a movie in a single location—especially a cockpit—is incredibly difficult. You have to keep the camera moving and the angles fresh so the audience doesn't get bored. Gibson used a real plane on a gimbal to simulate the movement, which adds a layer of physical realism that CGI just can't replicate. The actors were actually being tossed around. You can see the sweat. You can see the genuine disorientation.
What to Expect From the Performance of Flight Risk
Lionsgate is banking on the "Dad Movie" demographic. This is a gritty, R-rated thriller aimed at people who miss the mid-90s style of filmmaking—movies like Executive Decision or Con Air. It’s not trying to build a cinematic universe. It’s just trying to scare you for 90 minutes.
Industry analysts expect a modest but steady opening. Since the budget wasn't astronomical, it doesn't need to make Avengers money to be a success. If it clears $15-20 million on opening weekend, it’s a win.
Key Details to Remember Before You Go
- Release Date: January 24, 2025.
- Rating: R (for violence and language).
- Runtime: Expected to be around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- The Script: It was on the "Black List" (the list of Hollywood's best unproduced scripts) in 2020, written by Jared Rosenberg. This usually means the dialogue and structure are top-tier.
Streaming vs. Theatrical
If you’re wondering when is Flight Risk coming out on streaming, you’ll have to wait a bit longer. Lionsgate usually follows a 45-to-60-day theatrical window. This means you likely won't see it on platforms like Peacock or Hulu (or available for digital purchase) until late March or early April 2025.
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If you want the full experience of the Alaskan turbulence and the sound of that engine failing, the theater is the only way to go. There’s something about being stuck in a dark room that mirrors being stuck in that plane.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning to see the film, keep an eye on local listings starting the week of January 19th for early "sneak peek" screenings. These often happen on Thursday nights. Also, if you’re a fan of the genre, it’s worth revisiting Gibson’s earlier directorial work or Wahlberg’s performance in The Departed to see how he handles playing "the heavy."
Watch the trailer one more time and pay attention to the background—Gibson is known for hiding small visual cues that pay off later. Check your local IMAX listings as well; while not filmed in IMAX, the aerial photography of the Alaskan landscape is supposedly breathtaking on a larger format.
Don't wait for the streaming release if you want to avoid spoilers, as the "twist" regarding who is actually the "flight risk" is expected to be a major talking point on social media immediately after the first screenings.