Woody Harrelson is having a hell of a year. If you thought the man was slowing down, you haven't been paying attention to the 2025 release calendar. Honestly, it’s kind of wild how he manages to jump from gritty, sweat-soaked survival dramas to high-brow political comedies without breaking a sweat.
The big one everyone’s talking about right now is Last Breath. It hit theaters on February 28, 2025, and if you haven’t seen it yet, you’re missing out on some of the most claustrophobic filmmaking since The Abyss. But this isn't sci-fi. It’s real.
The Woody Harrelson Movie 2025 Fans Are Obsessing Over
The core of Harrelson’s 2025 run starts with Last Breath. This isn't just another "stuck in the ocean" flick. It’s a narrative remake of the 2019 documentary of the same name, which—if you haven't seen it—is absolutely terrifying. Woody plays Duncan Allcock, a seasoned saturation diver who finds himself in the middle of a nightmare when a crewmate's oxygen line snaps 300 feet below the North Sea.
Simu Liu and Finn Cole star alongside him.
The tension is thick. Basically, a diver is stranded in total darkness and freezing water with only about five minutes of oxygen left. The rescue? That's going to take at least thirty minutes. You do the math. It’s a story about human resilience and the kind of "no man left behind" grit that Woody Harrelson portrays better than almost anyone in Hollywood today.
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Why this role works for Woody
He’s got that weathered, reliable mentor energy. In Last Breath, he isn't the one trapped on the seafloor; he's the guy on the ship trying to pull off the impossible. It’s a psychological pressure cooker. Director Alex Parkinson, who actually co-directed the original documentary, brings a level of realism here that makes your own lungs feel tight. They filmed in Malta, using massive underwater tanks to keep things authentic. No cheap CGI bubbles here.
Beyond the Depths: Woody's 2025 Comedy Pivot
If drowning in the North Sea sounds too intense, don't worry. Woody is also starring in Ella McCay, which is scheduled for a December 12, 2025 release. This is a massive deal for movie nerds because it marks the return of legendary director James L. Brooks. We're talking the guy who gave us Terms of Endearment and As Good as It Gets.
He hasn't directed a feature in fifteen years.
In this one, Emma Mackey plays a young, idealistic politician trying to balance a chaotic family life while preparing to take over for her mentor as governor. Woody plays her father. It’s a star-studded ensemble:
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- Jamie Lee Curtis
- Ayo Edebiri
- Albert Brooks
- Kumail Nanjiani
It’s the polar opposite of Last Breath. Instead of life-and-death stakes in the ocean, it’s the messy, hilarious, and heartbreaking stakes of a family trying to stay together while the world watches. Woody brings that signature "fun but slightly complicated dad" vibe that he’s perfected over the last decade.
The Awards Season Buzz
Industry insiders are already eyeing Ella McCay for the 2026 Oscars. Pushing the release date from September to December 2025 was a tactical move by 20th Century Studios. They want this in the "Best Picture" conversation. Woody’s performance as the reentering father is reportedly one of the film’s emotional anchors.
What Else Is On The Horizon?
Wait, there's more. Because Woody Harrelson doesn't sleep.
There has been significant talk about his involvement in The Electric State, the massive Russo Brothers project for Netflix. While the production has been a bit of a marathon, it’s looking like 2025 is the year it finally lands. It's a retro-futuristic adventure based on Simon Stålenhag's graphic novel. Think robots, ruins, and a very "Woody" type of supporting role.
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Then there is the long-awaited Now You See Me: Now You Don't (the third installment). Production cycles have been tricky, but reports suggest Harrelson is back with the Four Horsemen. It’s a lot to keep track of, honestly.
Woody Harrelson Movie 2025: A Reality Check
Some people are asking if Woody is "overexposed" this year.
Nah.
The beauty of a Woody Harrelson movie 2025 is the variety. You get the high-octane survivalist in February and the witty, dramatic father figure in December. Most actors get stuck in a "type." Woody just gets better at being everything at once.
If you're looking for the best way to keep up, start with Last Breath. It’s already out on digital as of March 2025, so you can watch it from the safety of your couch where the oxygen is plentiful. After that, keep your eyes peeled for the Ella McCay trailers. The first look dropped in August, and the second trailer in October really showcased the chemistry between Harrelson and Emma Mackey.
Actionable Next Steps
- Watch the original documentary: Before seeing the 2025 Last Breath, find the 2019 documentary. It makes the movie version even more incredible when you realize what actually happened to Chris Lemons in real life.
- Mark December 12: That’s the Ella McCay theatrical release. James L. Brooks movies are rare gems; don't wait for the streaming release.
- Check the runtime: Last Breath is a lean 93 minutes. It’s the perfect "no-filler" thriller for a Friday night.
Woody Harrelson is proving that at 64, he’s still the most versatile guy in the room. Whether he’s under the sea or in the governor’s mansion, we’re just along for the ride.