You probably remember Josh Duhamel as the charming guy from Life as We Know It or maybe that dependable soldier in the Transformers movies. For a long time, he was Hollywood's go-to "handsome lead" who could carry a rom-com without breaking a sweat. But honestly? Something shifted recently. If you've been tracking a new movie Josh Duhamel project lately, you’ve likely noticed he’s traded the clean-shaven look for grizzled beards, tactical gear, and a whole lot of cinematic gunpowder.
The man is on a tear. Since 2025, he’s dropped three major projects that lean heavily into the "tough guy with a heart of gold" trope, and 2026 is looking even busier.
Off the Grid: The Genius Rambo Pivot
Let's talk about Off the Grid. It hit theaters and VOD in late June 2025, and while critics weren't exactly kind—it's sitting at a pretty rough 8% or 9% on Rotten Tomatoes—audiences have been eating it up on streaming platforms like Prime Video this January. Duhamel plays Jack Guy. He's a brilliant scientist who basically pulls a MacGyver-meets-John-Wick when a corrupt corporation tries to weaponize his green energy tech.
It's a weird movie.
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Directed by Johnny Martin, it feels like a throwback to those 90s action flicks where the hero is somehow both a PhD and a master of guerrilla warfare. Greg Kinnear is in it too, playing the villain, which is a casting choice I didn't see coming. People are calling it "Genius Rambo." Is it high art? No. But seeing Duhamel turn science into a weapon while hiding in a Mississippi cabin is oddly satisfying.
London Calling and the Hitman Babysitter Vibe
If Off the Grid was too serious for you, London Calling (released September 2025) is probably more your speed. This one feels like a spiritual successor to Shotgun Wedding. Duhamel stars as Tommy Ward, a professional hitman whose eyesight is failing him.
Imagine a legendary assassin who refuses to wear glasses and ends up capping the wrong guy—specifically the cousin of a major London crime boss played by Aidan Gillen.
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To save his skin, he flees to LA and enters into a deal with a gangster (Rick Hoffman from Suits) to train his nerdy, LARP-loving son Julian (Jeremy Ray Taylor) in the ways of "manhood." It’s basically a dark comedy buddy-cop movie without the cops. The chemistry between Duhamel and Taylor is actually the best part of the film. It's messy and way too long at nearly two hours, but Duhamel is clearly having the time of his life playing a guy who is perpetually annoyed by everyone around him.
Not Without Hope: The Real-Life Survival Drama
Then there’s the heavy stuff. Released in December 2025, Not Without Hope is a Joe Carnahan film that takes a break from the popcorn action to tell a brutal true story.
It’s based on the 2009 capsize of a boat carrying NFL players Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith. While Zachary Levi takes the lead as survivor Nick Schuyler, Duhamel plays Captain Timothy Close. It’s a supporting role, but it’s a crucial one. He brings a certain gravitas to the rescue efforts that anchors the movie when the CGI waves get a bit overwhelming.
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What’s Coming in 2026?
If you're looking for the absolute new movie Josh Duhamel is working on right now, it's a project called Preschool. This is a big deal because he’s not just starring; he’s directing it too.
It's a comedy about rival fathers going to insane, cutthroat lengths to get their kids into elite early education. After all the shooting and surviving at sea, it’s a return to his humorous roots. He’s filming it in London with a cast that includes James Cosmo and Antonia Thomas.
Why the sudden shift?
Duhamel seems to be in his "Liam Neeson" era. He's 53 now, and he's leaning into roles that require a certain weathered intensity. He isn't trying to be the pretty-boy romantic lead anymore. He's the guy you hire when you need someone who looks like they can actually survive a forest fire or a botched hit.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to catch up on this new era of Duhamel, here is your roadmap:
- For the "So Bad It's Good" Action: Rent Off the Grid on Prime Video or Apple TV. Don't go in expecting an Oscar winner; just enjoy the explosions.
- For the Laughs: Check out London Calling on streaming. It’s perfect for a Friday night when you want something light but violent.
- For the Feels: Watch Not Without Hope. It’s a tough watch because it’s a true story, but the performances are solid.
- Follow the News: Keep an eye out for the trailer for Preschool later this year, as it marks his third time in the director's chair after the Buddy Games franchise.
The transition from rom-com darling to rugged action veteran isn't always easy, but Duhamel is making it work by not taking himself too seriously. Whether he's playing a nearsighted hitman or a scientist-turned-soldier, he’s found a niche that keeps him on our screens and at the top of the streaming charts.