Paper Tiger (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

Paper Tiger follows brothers caught in a Russian mafia scheme that initially seems too good to be true. Set against an organized-crime backdrop, James Gray’s 2026 crime drama examines the pressure placed on family bonds when dangerous choices carry life-altering consequences.

Paper Tiger is a 2026 crime drama and thriller written and directed by James Gray. The film centers on two brothers whose involvement in an apparently lucrative scheme draws them into the dangerous world of the Russian mafia.

As the consequences of their choices grow more serious, the story places their family relationships under increasing strain. With a 1-hour-55-minute runtime and an ensemble led by Miles Teller and Adam Driver, the film combines organized crime with a tightly focused family conflict.

Paper Tiger movie details

Story without spoilers

The story follows brothers Irwin Pearl and Gary Pearl as they become involved in a scheme that promises more than it can ultimately deliver. Their attempt to navigate the Russian mafia places them in increasingly dangerous circumstances, while the pressure begins to fracture the bonds holding their family together.

The supplied details identify a number of elements surrounding the central conflict, including New York City, Brighton Beach, Queens, organized crime, a car crash, a home invasion, and an 1980s setting. These details establish a crime-driven family story without revealing how the brothers’ choices unfold or what consequences await them.

What to expect

Paper Tiger is positioned as a crime thriller with a strong dramatic component. Its premise points to a story shaped by organized crime, escalating danger and the difficult tension between personal survival and family loyalty.

The film’s listed keywords also suggest a New York setting and several high-risk circumstances, including a car crash and home invasion. The focus remains on the brothers’ involvement in a scheme and the effect that experience has on their family rather than on a purely procedural crime narrative.

Cast and creative team

James Gray serves as both director and writer. Miles Teller plays Irwin Pearl, while Adam Driver portrays Gary Pearl. Scarlett Johansson appears as Hester Pearl, with Gavin Goudey as Scott Pearl and Roman Engel as Benjamin Pearl.

The supporting cast includes Cindy Katz as Iris Belfer, Yavor Vesselinov as Alexei Yunov, Victor Ptak as Semion Bogoyavich, Dimiter D. Marinov as Daniil and Raphael Corkhill as Vasily.

• Miles Teller as Irwin Pearl
• Adam Driver as Gary Pearl
• Scarlett Johansson as Hester Pearl
• Gavin Goudey as Scott Pearl
• Roman Engel as Benjamin Pearl
• Cindy Katz as Iris Belfer
• Yavor Vesselinov as Alexei Yunov
• Victor Ptak as Semion Bogoyavich
• Dimiter D. Marinov as Daniil
• Raphael Corkhill as Vasily

Release and production context

Paper Tiger is listed as a 2026 release with a release date of November 13, 2026. Its runtime is 1 hour and 55 minutes. The film is classified as Crime, Drama and Thriller, and its spoken language is English.

The production involves the United States of America, Brazil, Italy, France, Cyprus, the United Kingdom and Qatar. The listed production companies are RT Features, Leone Film Group, Keep Your Head Productions, Vixens, Jury Rigged Pictures, Vice Pictures, Mid March Media and L.E.A.F. Entertainment.

Production companies: RT Features, Leone Film Group, Keep Your Head Productions, Vixens, Jury Rigged Pictures, Vice Pictures, Mid March Media, L.E.A.F. Entertainment

Reported production figures:
Budget $15,000,000

Paper Tiger official trailer

Watch the official trailer on YouTube

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With its Russian mafia premise, New York crime setting and emphasis on brothers whose choices put family relationships under pressure, Paper Tiger is framed as a serious crime thriller with personal stakes. The combination of James Gray’s writing and direction and a cast led by Miles Teller, Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson gives the film a clearly defined dramatic profile ahead of its listed 2026 release.

Film data:
TMDB · IMDb