Drifter

Drifter (2026)



7.5 2026 147 min —

Director: Sung Kang

Cast: Sung Kang, Adam Lizotte-Zeisler, James Pumphrey, Tamara Braun, Emelia Hartford

Deep in a sun-scorched town the world left behind, a lonely track cleaner hides a genius for sliding sideways. His past won't let go, but a one-shot shot at a real pro drifting competition forces him to face a brutal truth: raw skill means nothing if he keeps everyone at arm's length. With a tough-as-nails mentor pushing him, he has to open up to the unlikely family he's found and turn his wild, isolated craft into a high-stakes dance of trust—or let the memories he's running from drag him down for good.

More About This Film

Sung Kang, best known for his role as Han in the "Fast & Furious" franchise, steps behind the camera to direct and star in "Drifter," a heartfelt drama set for release in 2026. The film marks a significant shift in tone from the high-octane action series, offering instead an endearing outsider tale that focuses on human connection rather than horsepower. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2026, the project has been highlighted as a unique directorial debut that explores themes of loneliness and community.

The narrative centers on a lonely custodian who discovers purpose and belonging through his interactions with those around him. Starring alongside Kang are Tamara Braun, Michael Nehring, and Gregory Cruz, who join the cast in this character-driven story. By leveraging his deep understanding of car culture while moving away from it, Kang aims to present a grounded, emotional portrait of an individual finding their place in the world.

  • Sung Kang makes his feature film directorial debut with this project, transitioning from beloved actor to filmmaker.
  • The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2026.
  • It represents a deliberate tonal departure from the "Fast & Furious" franchise, focusing on drama rather than action.
  • The cast includes notable actors such as Tamara Braun and Gregory Cruz, supporting Kang's leading performance.

Where to Watch

As "Drifter" is a 2026 release that recently premiered at TIFF, availability varies by region and release phase.