Dominic Cooper & Phoebe Waller-Bridge's 'The Factory' Leaves Tubi Soon

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, March 18th 2026 at 12:42 GMT by Comicbook.com
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM

Before They Were Stars: Revisiting Dominic Cooper and Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Forgotten Action Thriller 'The Factory'

For fans of critically acclaimed television series like Preacher and Fleabag, a lesser-known title featuring two of its leading stars is slipping off free streaming platforms. The Factory, a 2011 action thriller starring Dominic Cooper and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, will be removed from Tubi on March 23rd, offering a limited window for rediscovery - or a first-time viewing. While it hasn't achieved the same level of notoriety as their subsequent work, The Factory provides a fascinating glimpse into the early careers of these now-household names and offers a surprisingly solid piece of neo-noir entertainment.

Dominic Cooper, currently recognized for his captivating portrayal of the troubled preacher Jesse Custer in the cult AMC hit Preacher, takes the lead in The Factory as Chris Mears, a former special forces operative. The film marks a shift from the supernatural and darkly comedic tones of Preacher, placing Cooper squarely in the realm of grounded, gritty action. Mears, haunted by his past, finds himself lured into a dangerous criminal conspiracy after responding to a vaguely worded advertisement for employment. The premise, though simple, sets the stage for a tightly wound narrative filled with betrayal, mystery, and visceral fight sequences.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, before achieving global recognition as the writer and star of the Emmy-winning Fleabag and her contributions to Killing Eve, appears in a supporting role in The Factory. Her presence, even in its relative early stages, hints at the sharp wit and compelling screen presence that would define her future performances. While not the central focus of the story, her character adds a layer of intrigue and complexity to the unfolding events.

The Factory isn't aiming for cinematic grandeur or complex philosophical themes. Instead, it delivers a straight-forward, adrenaline-fueled experience reminiscent of late 90s/early 2000s action thrillers. Think along the lines of The Transporter or early Jason Statham films - prioritizing practical effects, kinetic camerawork, and a relentless pace. This is a world removed from the introspective and character-driven work both Cooper and Waller-Bridge would later become known for. However, it's this departure that makes The Factory such an interesting piece of their filmographies. It showcases their willingness to take on diverse roles and explore different genres early in their careers.

The film's neo-noir aesthetic further enhances its appeal. The muted color palette, shadowy cinematography, and morally ambiguous characters contribute to a sense of unease and suspense. It paints a bleak picture of a criminal underworld operating just beneath the surface of everyday life. The plot, while not groundbreaking, is efficiently constructed, keeping viewers guessing as Mears delves deeper into the conspiracy, uncovering a web of deceit and corruption.

Beyond its stars and stylistic choices, The Factory also serves as a reminder of the pre-streaming era of film production and distribution. Independent action films often struggled to find wide releases, relying on DVD sales and limited theatrical runs. The fact that it's now available on a free streaming service like Tubi is a testament to its enduring appeal, even if it's a quiet one. The easy accessibility allows a new generation of viewers to stumble upon this hidden gem and appreciate the talents of its leading actors before they reached superstardom.

While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, The Factory is a worthwhile watch for action fans and those curious about the early careers of Dominic Cooper and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. It's a reminder that even the biggest stars started somewhere, and sometimes, those early roles offer unique insights into the performers they would eventually become. Don't miss your chance to catch it on Tubi before it's gone, a small piece of pre-Preacher, pre-Fleabag history awaiting rediscovery.