Samuel L. Jackson is back in action with a new crime thriller that carries the same chaotic energy as his fan-favorite role in The Hitman’s Bodyguard franchise. Just Play Dead, which arrived in select theaters on August 28, 2026, and on digital platforms on September 1, 2026, pairs Jackson with Eva Green for a violent, twist-filled ride that critics and fans are already comparing to his work as the foul-mouthed hitman Darius Kincaid. While the film is not officially part of that franchise, its mix of dark comedy, brutal fights, and double-crossing spouses has led many to call it the closest thing to a third Hitman’s Bodyguard movie.
What Just Play Dead Is About
Just Play Dead stars Jackson as Jack Wolfe, a wealthy criminal mastermind who finds himself cornered by federal agents. His solution is simple on paper: fake his own death, claim a $30 million life insurance payout with his wife, and frame her younger lover for the crime. Eva Green plays Nora, Jack’s wife, who has grown tired of his controlling ways and secretly plans to turn his fake murder into a real one. What follows is a cat-and-mouse game of shifting alliances, sudden betrayals, and violent confrontations that keeps the audience guessing until the end.
The film is directed by Martin Campbell, the filmmaker behind Casino Royale and GoldenEye. Campbell’s experience with spy thrillers and high-stakes action gives Just Play Dead a polished, fast-paced feel that recalls the best parts of the Hitman’s Bodyguard series. The supporting cast includes María Pedraza, Eoin Macken, and Jason Fernández. The screenplay was written by Dan Gordon, known for The Hurricane and Murder in the First.
Why It Feels Like The Hitman’s Bodyguard 3
The Hitman’s Bodyguard was released in 2017 and starred Jackson as Darius Kincaid, a hitman who needs protection from Ryan Reynolds‘s bodyguard character, Michael Bryce, so he can testify against a dictator at the International Criminal Court. The film earned $183 million worldwide on a $69 million budget, making it a solid hit despite mixed reviews. A sequel, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, followed in 2021 with Salma Hayek returning as Kincaid’s wife, Sonia. That film was a critical failure and a box office disappointment, earning only about $70 million on a $70 million budget.
No third film has been officially greenlit. Director Patrick Hughes and the cast have expressed interest in continuing the story, and Jackson himself once said he had ideas for who could join the franchise. But for now, Just Play Dead fills that gap. The film captures the same balance of over-the-top action, sharp banter, and morally questionable characters that made the Hitman’s Bodyguard movies so watchable for fans of R-rated action comedies.
What Critics Are Saying
Reviews for Just Play Dead have been mixed. Some critics praised Jackson’s performance and the film’s playful tone, while others found the plot too convoluted. RogerEbert.com called it “dull, baffling, and, for fans of classic erotic noirs like Double Indemnity and Body Heat, infuriating as hell.” Other outlets were kinder, with some noting that Jackson brings a “sleepy confidence” to the role and that the film works as a “competent, suspenseful thriller” when it focuses on the tension between Jack and Nora.
Audience reactions have been similarly divided. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of around 4.1/10 from early voters, with some calling it a “dumpster fire” and others defending it as an entertaining, if flawed, crime caper. The divide echoes the reception of Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, which also polarized viewers. For fans of Jackson’s particular brand of charismatic villainy, Just Play Dead offers plenty of moments to enjoy.
How to Watch Just Play Dead Worldwide
Just Play Dead had a limited theatrical release in the United States on August 28, 2026. It became available for digital rental and purchase on September 1, 2026, through platforms including Prime Video and other major digital storefronts. The film is not currently available on Netflix or other subscription streaming services. For viewers in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India, the digital release is expected to follow a similar pattern, though exact dates may vary by region. Fans should check their local digital stores for availability.
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Samuel L. Jackson’s Next Action Movie
Jackson is not slowing down. His next film, The Beast, is set for a theatrical release on October 9, 2026. Directed by Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger), the action thriller casts Jackson as the President of the United States, who must fight off a military coup from inside his heavily armored presidential limousine. Joel Kinnaman co-stars as an injured Secret Service agent. The film promises another round of high-concept action with Jackson at the center, following closely on the heels of Just Play Dead.
For now, Just Play Dead stands as the closest thing fans have to a new Hitman’s Bodyguard adventure. Its mix of violent set pieces, dark humor, and Jackson’s unmistakable screen presence makes it a natural companion piece to that franchise. Whether a true third film ever happens remains uncertain, but Jackson’s latest caper proves he is still one of the most reliable action stars in Hollywood.
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