Butler's $40M Flop Free to Stream

Gerard Butler's 2018 film Hunter Killer is set to become available for free streaming on Plex starting September 1, 2026. The movie, which had a disappointing box office run, earned $29.3 million globally against a $40 million budget.

The film, based on the novel Firing Point by George Wallace and Don Keith, stars Butler as Joe Glass, the Commander of USS Arkansas. Hunter Killer debuted in the U.S. on October 26, 2018, and placed fifth in its first weekend ranking.

Hunter Killer also features Gary Oldman, and its production budget of $40 million was not fully recouped at the box office. The film's global haul of $29.3 million was a significant shortfall compared to its production costs.

## Background Gerard Butler has had a strong past twelve months, courtesy of a live-action adaptation that proved much more successful than some of its contemporaries. The How to Train Your Dragon remake, in which Butler stars, earned $650 million globally and widespread praise from both critics and audiences. A sequel to the film, titled How to Train Your Dragon 2, is scheduled for release in June 2027.

## Why it matters The availability of Hunter Killer for free streaming on Plex may provide a second chance for the film to reach a wider audience. Despite its disappointing box office run, the movie has been described as an underrated modern Butler effort. With the success of the How to Train Your Dragon remake and the upcoming release of its sequel, Butler's fans may be interested in exploring his other recent films, including Hunter Killer.

The streaming of Hunter Killer on Plex starting September 1, 2026, may also be an opportunity for the film to gain more recognition and appreciation. As a submarine thriller with a strong cast, including Butler and Oldman, Hunter Killer has the potential to appeal to a wide range of audiences.