Amber Alert: release date, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the thriller

Tyler James Williams and Hayden Panettiere in key art for Amber Alert
Tyler James Williams and Hayden Panettiere, Amber Alert (Image credit: Lionsgate)

Abbott Elementary fans may be looking forward to seeing Tyler James Williams resume the role of Gregory in Abbott Elementary season 4, but Williams is giving moviegoers a reason to get excited with the gripping new thriller, Amber Alert. 

The 2024 new movie sees him partnering with Hayden Panettiere as they pursue a kidnapper who happens to have his child victim in the car. While they are good samaritans trying to rescue one little girl, they’ll soon find out this heroic journey takes them to some dark and unexpected places. 

Here’s everything we know about Amber Alert

Amber Alert release date

According to the Lionsgate press site, Amber Alert premieres on September 27 in theaters. It’s not immediately clear when the movie debuts in the UK, but once more information becomes available we’ll pass along the update. 

Amber Alert plot

Here is a synopsis of the movie based on the script written by Kerry Bellessa and Joshua Oram:

"An ordinary rideshare becomes a high-stakes game of cat and mouse when Jaq (Hayden Panettiere) and Shane (Tyler James Williams) receive an alert of a child abduction on their phones. Quickly realizing they are behind a car that matches the description of the kidnapper’s, Jaq and Shane desperately race against time to save the child’s life."

Amber Alert cast

As previously mentioned, Amber Alert stars Hayden Panettiere and Tyler James Williams. Both actors started in Hollywood as child actors who have truly blossomed in Hollywood. At a young age, Panettiere starred in Malcolm in the Middle and Heroes, and as an adult gained notoriety for things like Nashville and Scream VI

On the other hand, Williams shot to superstardom with Everybody Hates Chris, and as an adult has been spotted in projects like Dear White People (the movie), The United States vs. Billie Holiday and he’s received three Emmy nominations and one Golden Globe win for Abbott Elementary

Joining Panettiere and Williams in Amber Alert are Saidah Arrika Ekulona and Kevin Dunn. Ekulona previously starred in A League of Their Own and Bob Hearts Abishola and Dunn in King Richard and A League of Their Own

Amber Alert trailer

Check out the gripping trailer for the movie below. 

Amber Alert Trailer #1 (2024) - YouTube Amber Alert Trailer #1 (2024) - YouTube
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Director Kerry Bellessa

In addition to co-writing Amber Alert, Kerry Bellessa also directed the movie. She previously directed Immanence (2022). 

Terrell Smith

Terrell Smith has a diverse writing background having penned material for a wide array of clients including the federal government and Bravo television personalities.  When he’s not writing as Terrell, he’s writing under his pseudonym Tavion Scott, creating scripts for his audio drama podcasts. Terrell is a huge fan of great storytelling when it comes to television and film. Some of his favorite shows include The CrownWandaVision, Abbot Elementary and Godfather of HarlemAnd a fun fact is he's completely dialed into the TLC 90 Day Fiancé universe.