BREAKING NEWS: NETFLIX | First feature film by Max Rancon for Netflix stars a golden cast

Netflix has greenlit The Third Catch, a Christmas set thriller that will mark the feature directorial debut of Max Rancon and bring together an international, star driven cast led by Orlando Bloom, Kristen Stuart, Virginie Efira and Raphaël Quenard.

Conceived as an original project by Rancon, who also wrote the screenplay, The Third Catch blends high concept suspense with a timely social media angle. The story follows a group of online vigilantes who gain notoriety by luring and confronting suspected predators in real life, turning their dangerous operations into viral content. What begins as a twisted form of digital justice quickly spirals out of control when one of their encounters exposes them to something far darker. As the group realizes they may have crossed paths with a serial killer, they find themselves pulled into a fast moving investigation where the line between hunters and prey rapidly dissolves, and where survival may depend on who finds whom first.

The film represents a major step forward for Rancon, who has built a reputation as a producer of bold genre fare with titles such as Two Witches, Traumatika and Frankie, Maniac Woman. With The Third Catch, he transitions behind the camera for the first time on a large scale production, supported by Netflix and anchored by a cast that spans Hollywood and Europe. Bloom brings blockbuster credentials from franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Lord of the Rings, while Stuartadds prestige following a career that spans from the global phenomenon Twilight to her Oscar nominated performance in Spencer. Efira continues her run as one of Europe’s most in demand actresses, and Quenard brings a sharp edge after a series of breakout performances in contemporary French cinema.

Production is expected to begin early next year, with Netflix positioning the film as a major seasonal release. With its mix of social commentary, thriller mechanics and holiday setting, The Third Catch is already being eyed as one of the streamer’s most anticipated titles of 2026.