From R&B to RUN: Marques Houston Turns Up the Thrills

From R&B heartthrob to powerhouse creative, Marques Houston has been captivating audiences for more than three decades. From his days serenading us with Immature and IMX to his breakout TV role as Roger on Sister, Sister, Houston has evolved into an unstoppable storyteller. And with his latest project, the gripping sci-fi thriller RUN, he’s proving he’s nowhere near done rewriting the script. RUN — from Footage Films — hits theaters August 29th and takes audiences on a wild ride filled with suspense, action, and unexpected twists.

Words by Angel Neal

Marques not only stars as Andre, a man forced to make an unthinkable sacrifice for love, but he also co-wrote the film, blending heart-pounding survival with emotional storytelling in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Today, we’re diving into his creative process, what it took to bring RUN to life, and how he continues to reinvent himself — both in film and in music.

“This film is about pushing limits — for the characters and for me as a creator,” Marques tells Disrupshion Magazine. “I wanted to challenge myself, to tell a story that makes people sit up and really think, ‘What would I do in this situation?’”

Directed and written by longtime collaborator Chris Stokes, RUN brings together the creative powerhouse behind Footage Films. Stokes and Houston have built a reputation for delivering bold, unexpected stories, and this project is no exception.

“Chris and I have worked together for years,” Marques shares. “He knows how to craft suspense and tension in a way that really keeps audiences locked in. With RUN, he pushed us all creatively — it’s a ride from start to finish.”

The film’s synergy between Stokes’ direction and Houston’s production vision, combined with the powerhouse performances from— dives headfirst into high-stakes suspense, following a man caught in a deadly game of survival where nothing is as it seems.

“It’s definitely the most intense project I’ve been part of,” he admits. “We wanted to blend action, sci-fi, and emotion in a way that feels fresh. It’s not just about explosions — it’s about humanity, choices, and consequences.”

RUN isn’t just packed with suspense — it delivers a cinematic nod to classic horror and thriller traditions, including a touch of scream queen energy. Houston was intentional about casting powerful female leads like Drew Sidora, Erica Mena, Claudia Jordan, Erica Pinkett, and Annie Ilonzeh to bring intensity and depth to the film’s most high-stakes moments.

“I’ve always loved those classic thriller vibes,” Marques says, smiling. “We wanted the women in this film to be strong, layered, and unforgettable — not just victims, but forces that drive the story forward.”

He credits the cast for elevating RUN into more than just a survival story:

“When you’ve got actresses like Drew, Erica, and Annie, you know you’re working with talent that can deliver emotion and edge. They brought that scream-queen energy but flipped it on its head — they’re not running from the danger, they’re redefining it.”

This gives the film a stylish balance between adrenaline-pumping thrills and female-driven power, making RUN feel just as unpredictable as it is cinematic.

But beyond the big-screen adrenaline, RUN is another milestone in Houston’s ongoing transformation from performer to power player. Over the years, he’s built a reputation for taking creative control of his career, directing, producing, and writing stories that reflect his evolving perspective.

“I’ve been blessed to grow up in this industry, and now I’m focused on creating opportunities — for myself, for my team, and for other creatives who look like me,” he says. “At this point, it’s bigger than just me.”

Still, fans of his music days shouldn’t worry — Houston hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He credits his early years in R&B with teaching him discipline, storytelling, and how to connect emotionally with audiences. Those skills, he says, are just as vital on set as they are in the studio.

As for what’s next, Houston hints that RUN is only the beginning of a bigger vision for Footage Films and the types of projects he wants to bring to life.

“We’re building something special,” he teases. “Stories that are different, stories that hit home — that’s what drives me now.”

Marques Houston continues to push creative boundaries and keep us guessing at what he’ll do next. With RUN hitting theaters August 29th, audiences can expect an emotional, action-packed ride that proves he’s just as powerful behind the camera as he is on-screen.

And with new music on the way — including his latest single ‘Hold On’ featuring Kodak Black — Marques shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s music, movies, or storytelling, one thing’s for sure: this next chapter of his career is only just beginning.