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Rainn Wilson, Lil Rel Howery highlight EMS burnout and chaos in new movie ‘Code 3'

Co-written by a former paramedic and co-starring Rainn Wilson and Lil Rel Howery, the comedy brings authentic EMS stress and camaraderie to the big screen

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Left photo: Rainn Wilson arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of “Jane” at the Hollywood Bowl on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Right photo: Lil Rel Howery arrives at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018. (Photo by Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images)

AP

LOS ANGELES — A new movie hitting theaters in the fall of 2025 is putting the chaos — and heart — of life on the ambulance into the spotlight.

Code 3,” an action comedy distributed by Aura Entertainment and produced by Wayfarer Studios, is set to debut in U.S. theaters on Sept. 12. The film stars Rainn Wilson (The Office), Lil Rel Howery (Free Guy) and Aimee Carrero (Elena of Avalor) and centers around a burned-out paramedic on his final 24-hour shift.

According to Variety, Wilson plays Randy, a medic assigned to train his replacement — a task that quickly turns chaotic. The film promises “heart, humor and high-stakes action,” offering a fictional but familiar ride for EMS providers who’ve lived through wild shifts of their own.

The script was co-written by Christopher Leone and former paramedic Patrick Pianezza, lending a layer of authenticity to the on-screen mayhem. The ensemble cast also includes Rob Riggle (The Hangover) and Yvette Nicole Brown (Community).

“‘Code 3' expands our slate of elevated, genre-bending films that truly resonate with audiences,” said Aura CEO Marc Goldberg in a press release quoted by Variety. “It’s a hilarious, feel-good ride — anchored by two of the most beloved names in comedy today.”

The story behind “Code 3" may feel especially familiar to EMS professionals. Burnout, mentorship and unpredictable shifts are core themes — and all-too-real aspects of the job. The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) notes that work-related stress and burnout remain persistent challenges across the profession.

The movie is directed by Leone and produced by Matt Smith (Electro Corduroy Entertainment), Lawrence Mattis (Circle of Confusion), Justin Baldoni and Andrew Calof (Wayfarer Studios), and Paul “Pizza” Pianezza (Realdream). Executive producers include Wilson, Howery, Steve Sarowitz, Angela Cardon and Michael D. Jones (Silver Heart Productions).

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Sarah Roebuck is the news editor for Police1, Corrections1, FireRescue1 and EMS1, leading daily news coverage. With nearly a decade of digital journalism experience, she has been recognized for her expertise in digital media, including being sourced in Broadcast News in the Digital Age.

A graduate of Central Michigan University with a broadcast and cinematic arts degree, Roebuck joined Lexipol in April 2023. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com or connect on LinkedIn.