Full Breakdown
Amazon MGM Studios Secures Worldwide Rights to Action Thriller “The Kellys”
6/4/2026, 12:29:33 AM
Film Overview and Distribution Deal
Amazon MGM Studios has acquired worldwide distribution rights to “The Kellys,” an upcoming action film that will debut on Prime Video. The plot follows Jack Kelly, a disgraced New York City police officer whose wife, Molly, is taken hostage by terrorists inside an old armory. To rescue her, Kelly must join forces with his own family, confronting both the captors and personal conflicts. Production is currently underway.
Production Team and Creative Leadership
“The Kellys” is directed by Brad Peyton, who co-wrote the screenplay with Tze Chun. The project is produced by Thunder Road Films. Peyton’s recent directorial credits include the Netflix hit *Atlas* and the Dwayne Johnson-led blockbusters *Rampage* and *San Andreas*, films that together have generated more than $1 billion in worldwide box-office revenue. His collaboration with Chun, known for work on *Gotham* and *Once Upon a Time*, adds a television-style narrative depth to the script.
Principal Cast and Recent Work
Arnold Schwarzenegger headlines the film as Jack Kelly. Schwarzenegger’s latest collaboration with Amazon MGM includes a cameo as Santa in the studio’s forthcoming Christmas comedy *The Man with the Bag*, directed by Adam Shankman. Liam Hemsworth co-stars, bringing recent experience from Netflix’s fantasy series *The Witcher*, where he succeeded Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, and from the romantic drama *Lonely Planet*. Both actors are represented by agencies active in the film market, underscoring their high-profile status.
Strategic Implications for Amazon MGM Studios
Securing worldwide rights to “The Kellys” expands Amazon MGM’s portfolio of star-driven action content on Prime Video, aligning with the studio’s broader strategy to offer exclusive, high-budget entertainment to its streaming audience. By pairing Schwarzenegger’s legacy action-hero brand with Hemsworth’s contemporary streaming appeal, the film is positioned to attract a cross-generational viewership, reinforcing Prime Video’s competitive positioning against other global streaming services.
Official Statements & Responses
Amazon MGM Studios announced that it has landed worldwide rights to “The Kellys” and plans to release the completed film exclusively on Prime Video. The studio’s acquisition statement emphasized the film’s alignment with its goal of delivering original, high-impact action titles to a global streaming audience.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Public sources have not disclosed the film’s production budget, final release window, or detailed marketing plan, leaving those elements unconfirmed.
What’s Next
Production continues under Peyton’s direction, with post-production slated for completion later in 2026. Amazon MGM Studios will announce a specific Prime Video release date once the film reaches final edit.
