The Beast (2026)

The Beast plot summary (no spoilers)

The Beast is an action thriller about a coup against the United States, carried out by a coordinated militia whose identity remains a mystery. The attack puts the nation’s leader at the centre of the crisis, and the President, played by Samuel L. Jackson, has to take an active role in his own survival.

His most valuable asset is the presidential state car, an armoured limousine known as “The Beast”. Its defensive role is well known. This vehicle also carries secret offensive capabilities, and they become the President’s means of striking back. Much of the danger plays out on the road, which turns a symbol of protection into a mobile base of resistance.

The film also features the US Secret Service. Joel Kinnaman plays Agent Taft, and Guy Burnet, Eoin Macken and Colin Morgan round out the cast. The tagline, “You know Air Force One. Now meet…”, openly invites comparisons with earlier president-in-peril thrillers. The film runs for a brisk 99 minutes.

What makes The Beast notable: cast, director and background

• Cast: Samuel L. Jackson leads as the President of the United States, and Joel Kinnaman co-stars as Agent Taft. Guy Burnet, Eoin Macken and Colin Morgan complete the main cast.
• Director: Renny Harlin directs from a screenplay by Umair Aleem.
• Genre: A straightforward action thriller built around the presidency, the Secret Service and a high-tech armoured vehicle.
• Origin: An English-language international co-production between the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain, Germany and Australia. A large group of companies backs the film, including Fifth Season, Unified Pictures, Nostromo Pictures and Film 44.
• Rating: The film is rated R in the US.

The Beast review: early reception

The Beast premiered on 6 October 2026 and reached US cinemas on 9 October 2026. Critics’ reviews have been published since then; checking several of them will give a fuller picture of how critics and audiences are responding.

Who will enjoy The Beast

• Fans of president-in-danger thrillers in the spirit of the film’s own tagline
• Viewers who enjoy Samuel L. Jackson in commanding lead roles
• Action audiences drawn to vehicle-based set pieces and high-tech gadgets
• Anyone interested in fictional takes on the Secret Service and presidential security
• Moviegoers looking for a tight, under-100-minute thriller

Release date and where to watch The Beast

• Premiere: 6 October 2026
• Worldwide release: 8 October 2026
• US theatrical release: 9 October 2026 (rated R)

In the United States, The Beast is a theatrical release, so cinemas are currently the place to see it. No streaming platforms are listed for the US at the moment. Digital and streaming availability has not been announced yet. An official trailer is available.

Trailer

Cast

• Samuel L. Jacksonas President of the United StatesSee credits →
• Joel Kinnamanas Agent TaftSee credits →
• Guy BurnetSee credits →
• Eoin MackenSee credits →
• Colin Morgan

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

When was The Beast (2026) released?

The Beast premiered on 6 October 2026 and had its worldwide release on 8 October 2026. It opened in US cinemas on 9 October 2026.

Where can I watch The Beast?

In the US, The Beast is showing in cinemas following its theatrical release on 9 October 2026. No streaming services are currently listed, and digital availability has not been announced yet.

Who is in the cast of The Beast?

Samuel L. Jackson stars as the President of the United States, and Joel Kinnaman plays Agent Taft. Guy Burnet, Eoin Macken and Colin Morgan also appear. Renny Harlin directs from a script by Umair Aleem.

What is The Beast about?

An unidentified militia stages a coordinated coup against the United States. The President fights back using the secret offensive features of his armoured limousine, nicknamed The Beast.

How long is The Beast and what is it rated?

The Beast runs 99 minutes and is rated R in the United States.

Sources

1. TMDB
2. IMDb