Imagine a fierce uprising that challenged the power of kings and ignited the flames of justice – that's the heart-pounding story Paul Greengrass is crafting in his latest film, now titled 'The Uprising'. Get ready to dive into a tale of rebellion that could redefine how we view historical dramas, with a stellar cast ready to bring the chaos to life.
Oscar-nominated director Paul Greengrass has shifted gears, retitling his project from 'The Rage' to 'The Uprising', signaling a more intense focus on the peasant revolt that rocked 14th-century England. For beginners unfamiliar with these events, think of it as a real-life uprising where ordinary people – farmers, workers, and the downtrodden – rose up against oppressive rulers, much like modern-day movements for equality. This isn't just a fictional retelling; it's inspired by the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, led by figures like Wat Tyler, but Greengrass is weaving his own narrative around it. But here's where it gets controversial... Does depicting such a violent rebellion risk glorifying chaos, or does it serve as a timely reminder of the fight for fairness in an era of inequality? And this is the part most people miss: Greengrass is no stranger to gritty, real-world stories, having directed intense films like 'Bourne' movies and 'Captain Phillips', so expect no holds barred.
The cast is growing stronger, with five talented actors joining the fray: Jamie Bell, known for his chilling performance as a half-man in 'Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk' (often just called 'Half-Man' in shorthand), brings his versatility to the screen. Cosmo Jarvis, fresh off 'Warfare', adds a youthful edge; Thomasin McKenzie, the breakout star from 'Jojo Rabbit', delivers that emotional depth; Jonny Lee Miller, the sharp-witted detective from 'Elementary', brings intensity; and Woody Norman, the promising talent from 'C'mon C'mon', offers a fresh voice. Character details remain shrouded in mystery for now, with filming already in progress. As we learned earlier, Andrew Garfield takes center stage as the legendary leader of this ferocious rebellion against the tyrannical King Richard II, assembling an army of everyday people to clash with royal forces in a desperate bid for justice and survival. Katherine Waterston, who previously joined the cast, rounds out this powerhouse ensemble.
Behind the scenes, Jason Blum of Blumhouse is producing alongside Gregory Goodman, Joanna Kaye, Paul Greengrass himself, Lars Sylvest from Thank You Pictures, and Joe Neurauter through Supernix. Focus Features has secured domestic distribution rights after snapping it up at the Cannes market in a deal reportedly around $11 million, as first reported here. This marks another exciting chapter for Greengrass, coming hot on the heels of his debut with 'The Lost Bus', a California wildfire drama that premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, saw limited theatrical release in September, and landed on Apple TV (formerly Apple TV+) on October 3. Starring Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera, it's already being touted as an awards contender this season.
Focus Features is on a roll this fall, having just released 'Anemone' on October 3 – a poignant drama from Ronan Day-Lewis that coaxed his Oscar-winning father, Daniel Day-Lewis, out of retirement. Next up is the worldwide release (excluding South Korea) of 'Bugonia', reuniting Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone on October 24. The studio's fall lineup also includes 'Hamnet' and 'Lurker' on November 27, 'The History of Sound' on December 18, and 'Song Sung Blue' on Christmas Day, either as domestic or international distributors.
As for representation, Jamie Bell is handled by 3 Arts, CAA, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern; Cosmo Jarvis by The Artists Partnership, UTA, Yorn, Levine & Barnes, and Telescope Agency; Thomasin McKenzie by UTA, Untitled Entertainment, Gail Cowan Management, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole; Jonny Lee Miller by 42, UTA, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman; and Woody Norman by Paradigm, Sylvia Young Agency, and HJTH.
What do you think – will 'The Uprising' capture the raw spirit of historical rebellions, or is there a risk of romanticizing violence? Are you excited about the cast, especially Andrew Garfield's leadership role? Does the shift in title change how you perceive the film? Share your thoughts in the comments – agreement or disagreement, we're eager to hear!
