- First project from a new first-look deal between Alan Ritchson and Netflix
- MotoGP is officially supporting the production as a consultant
- Title, director, filming start, and release date have not yet been announced
MotoGP is set to provide not just on-track action but also serve as a movie backdrop. Streaming service Netflix is developing an action film set entirely in the world of the motorcycle world championship. US actor Alan Ritchson plays the lead role and co-produces the project through his company Dancing Skeleton. The news broke in early August 2026 through a report by US trade publication Deadline, citing insiders. An official confirmation from Netflix regarding all details is still pending.
What Is the Planned MotoGP Movie About?
The film tells the story of a gang of motorcycle thieves who steal valuable antiques around the world. Interpol then recruits a former MotoGP rider, played by Ritchson, to track down the group.
The character’s racing background makes him the right man for the chase. After a successful career, the protagonist had retired from the tracks. Years later, the international police agency contacts him. During the investigation, the story takes a personal turn: the man realizes that the gang leader may be his younger brother, whom he believed dead for years.
This combines three ingredients that rarely come together in a racing film. There are two-wheeled chase sequences, an internationally scaled heist plot, and a family secret at its emotional core. According to sources close to the production, the film aims to add a mystery element to the familiar action formula.
Who Is Behind the Project?
In addition to Ritchson, several experienced producers are on board. Chris Morgan is writing the screenplay and also serves as a producer.
The producing team includes Chris Morgan and Ainsley Morgan for Chris Morgan Productions, as well as Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum for RK Films. Ritchson himself brings in Dancing Skeleton, the company he founded to develop film and television projects.
Morgan wrote seven films in the Fast & Furious franchise, starting with The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift in 2006. He is considered one of the writers who transformed a series about illegal street racing into globally scaled action cinema. Kirschenbaum, meanwhile, served as co-president of production at Universal and was instrumental in relaunching the franchise before moving into producing himself.
That connection was apparently decisive. Ritchson, Morgan, Kirschenbaum, and Roth pitched the project to the streaming service as “Fast & Furious with motorcycles.” The team’s experience with the Universal franchise reportedly convinced Netflix of the concept.
How Did Alan Ritchson Get Involved?
Ritchson drove the project himself and says he personally secured the rights to MotoGP. About a week before the deal was reported, he discussed it on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast.
There, he spoke about his passion for motorcycles: “I got the rights to MotoGP. I love motorcycles. They’re so fun. I want to tell stories about it. I want to make a cool, Fast and Furious kind of thing for motorcycles, like international.”
In the same conversation, he also described extensive stunt preparation. He explains that he has set up a project in which he rides every motorcycle himself, in unusual situations. By his account, he owns machines of every kind, from stunt bikes of various classes to off-road motorcycles, and trains regularly with them.
Ritchson is best known to a broad audience as the lead of the series Reacher, whose fourth season launched on Prime Video on August 12. He previously played Aquaman in the series Smallville and appeared in the comedy series Blue Mountain State. He also had roles in The Hunger Games and in Fast X, where he played agency chief Aimes.
Why Is MotoGP Collaborating on the Film?
The racing series wants to make the film as realistic as possible and has entered into an agreement with the filmmakers. It is advising the production during development.
According to sources close to the project, the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, as the series’ promoter, will contribute its expertise. The goal is to authentically depict the team and rider environment, the paddock atmosphere, and trackside operations. Netflix thus gains official access to the motorcycle world championship.
For the series itself, this fits into a trend that has been building for some time. The premier class has gained international attention, while motorsport-related film productions have recently achieved significant reach. For the 2026 season, the film would be less of a sporting event and more of a marketing milestone.
What Remains Undecided?
Most of the key details have not yet been finalized. The film does not have a title, no director has been named, and no filming start has been announced.
A Netflix release date is also open. It remains unclear whether real MotoGP riders will appear in the film and which circuits will be used for filming. Overall, this is a project in an early phase where much can still change during development.
How Does the Project Fit Into Ritchson’s Netflix Deals?
The MotoGP film is the first project from a new first-look deal between Ritchson and Netflix. Under such an arrangement, the streaming service gets first access to the partner’s new film ideas.
The foundation was the success of the science fiction action film War Machine, directed by Patrick Hughes. The film debuted on Netflix in March 2026 and reached 139.9 million views in its first 91 days. That placed it tenth on the list of most-watched Netflix films, and a sequel is already in development.
Under the new deal, Ritchson is set to star in and co-produce several feature films for Netflix. Already confirmed is Maelstrom, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, in which he plays a US Marshal tasked with guarding a weapons dealer’s fiancée while a hurricane traps them both and mercenaries close in. There is also an as-yet-untitled survival competition series that he hosts and co-produces with Bunim/Murray Productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who stars in the MotoGP Netflix movie?
Alan Ritchson takes the lead role. The US actor is best known from the series Reacher and co-produces the film through his company Dancing Skeleton. He says he secured the MotoGP rights himself.
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When does the MotoGP movie come to Netflix?
No release date has been set. Netflix has not yet announced a director or a start of filming. The project is in an early stage of development.
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What is the plot about?
A gang of motorcycle thieves steals valuable antiques worldwide. Interpol recruits a former MotoGP rider to stop the group. During the investigation, he realizes the gang leader may be his younger brother, whom he believed dead for years.
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Who is writing the screenplay?
Chris Morgan is writing the script and co-producing. He wrote seven films in the Fast & Furious franchise, starting with The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.
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Is MotoGP officially involved?
Yes, the racing series is supporting the production. It has an agreement with the filmmakers and is advising during development to ensure races and the paddock are depicted authentically.
