Josh Duhamel has a way of staying in the conversation. One minute he's a soldier in a Michael Bay explosion-fest, and the next, he's the charming lead in a rom-com that your mom actually likes. But right now, everyone is talking about the Josh Duhamel new movie that’s ditching the CGI robots for something far more terrifying: real life.
It’s called Not Without Hope. Honestly, it’s a bit of a pivot for him. If you haven't heard the backstory, this isn't just another Hollywood script pulled out of a hat. It’s based on the harrowing true story of Nick Schuyler, who was the lone survivor of a 2009 boating accident that took the lives of his three friends, including NFL players Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith.
Duhamel plays Timothy Close. It's a role that demands a lot of grit. No fancy suits. No witty banter. Just the raw, ugly reality of what happens when a fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico turns into a fight against the elements.
What Actually Happens in Not Without Hope?
The movie, directed by Joe Carnahan—the guy who gave us The Grey, so you know it’s going to be intense—premiered at the Austin Film Festival in late 2025 and hit theaters in December. It’s a survival thriller through and through.
Basically, the plot follows four friends who head out on a 21-foot boat. Everything is fine until the anchor gets stuck. They try to gun the engine to loosen it, but the boat capsizes. They're left clinging to the hull in freezing water, miles from shore. While Zachary Levi takes the lead as Nick Schuyler, Duhamel’s performance provides the emotional anchor the film needs.
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People often get survival movies wrong. They think it's all about the "action" of the disaster. In reality, it's about the psychological breakdown. Duhamel captures that slow-burn desperation perfectly.
Why This Movie Feels Different
You've seen the "stranded at sea" trope before. Open Water did it. The Shallows did it with a shark. But Not Without Hope avoids the gimmicks.
- The Realism: It was filmed entirely in Malta, utilizing massive water tanks to simulate the Gulf of Mexico.
- The Cast: Alongside Duhamel and Levi, you’ve got Quentin Plair and Terrence Terrell. The chemistry feels like a real group of guys, which makes the eventual tragedy hit way harder.
- The Stakes: Because this happened in 2009, many people remember the news cycle. There’s no "happy ending" for everyone, and the movie doesn't shy away from that grim truth.
The Josh Duhamel Action Pivot: Off the Grid
If a heavy survival drama isn't your vibe, Duhamel has been busy elsewhere. He recently starred in Off the Grid, which hit streaming on Prime Video in early 2026. This one is... well, it's different.
Critics absolutely mauled it. We’re talking an 8% on Rotten Tomatoes. But here’s the kicker: audiences are actually watching it. It’s been climbing the streaming charts because it’s basically "Genius Rambo." Duhamel plays Jack Guy, a scientist who turns into a guerrilla warfare expert when a corrupt company tries to steal his tech.
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Is it high art? No. Is it fun to watch Josh Duhamel use "science" to take out mercenaries? Absolutely. It’s a reminder that he can still carry a B-movie action flick with nothing but charisma and a tactical vest.
London Calling and the Comedy Side
Just to keep things even more chaotic, he also did London Calling (2025). He plays Tommy Ward, a hitman who has to flee to Los Angeles and becomes a mentor to a socially awkward kid. It’s a crime comedy that feels very much like a throwback to the early 2000s.
It’s interesting to see him balance these three very different projects. You have:
- The Prestige Survival Drama (Not Without Hope)
- The Mindless Action Thriller (Off the Grid)
- The Quirky Crime Comedy (London Calling)
It feels like he's trying to see what sticks in this new era of streaming dominance.
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What’s Next for Duhamel in 2026?
If you're wondering when he's going back to TV, the answer is soon. He just wrapped filming Season 2 of Ransom Canyon for Netflix in mid-January 2026.
Think of Ransom Canyon as Netflix's answer to Yellowstone. It’s a contemporary Western set in Texas (though they film a lot of it in New Mexico). Duhamel plays Staten Kirkland, a rancher fighting to protect his land. Fans are already obsessed with his pairing with Minka Kelly.
He’s also gearing up to direct and star in a comedy called Preschool. He seems to be leaning into the "one for them, one for me" philosophy of filmmaking. Directing allows him to have a bit more control over the narrative, something he started exploring with the Buddy Games franchise.
The Verdict on the Josh Duhamel New Movie Wave
Most people think actors just show up and say lines. With Not Without Hope, it’s clear Duhamel wanted to prove he could handle the heavy stuff. It's a grueling watch, but it's probably his best work in years.
If you want to keep up with his career, the best move is to check out the real-life story of Nick Schuyler first. It gives the movie so much more weight. After that, honestly, just embrace the chaos of his filmography. Whether he's a rancher, a hitman, or a scientist on the run, he’s clearly not slowing down.
Actionable Next Steps
- Watch the Trailer: Search for the official Not Without Hope trailer to see the physical transformation Duhamel went through for the role.
- Read the Book: Pick up Not Without Hope by Nick Schuyler and Jeré Longman. The movie stays fairly faithful, but the book goes much deeper into the internal struggle.
- Check Prime Video: If you’re in the mood for something less intense, Off the Grid is currently trending. It's the perfect "popcorn and turn your brain off" movie for a Friday night.
- Set a Netflix Alert: Keep an eye out for the Ransom Canyon Season 2 release date. While filming just wrapped, post-production for these big Westerns can take a while—don't expect it until late 2026 or early 2027.