‘The Uprising’ Trailer Features Andrew Garfield Leading a Medieval Rebellion

Paul Greengrass has established a reputation for crafting narratives where ordinary individuals become embroiled in extraordinary conflicts, as seen in films like ‘United 93’ and ‘Captain Phillips.’ His latest endeavor transports this grounded, visceral filmmaking style to medieval England, promising the intense, immersive drama that has become his hallmark.

The journey of this film to the screen has been quite complex, evolving through various titles and leading actors before settling into its current form. Initially envisioned as a project for Benedict Cumberbatch, it later transitioned to Matthew McConaughey before ultimately finding its star in Andrew Garfield, reshaping the film significantly.

This long-awaited project has reached a significant milestone with the release of the first trailer for ‘The Uprising,’ Greengrass’ historical epic featuring Garfield as the leader of a rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II. The film is set to debut in theaters on September 11.

At the heart of the narrative is Garfield’s character, inspired by the historical figure Wat Tyler, a humble farmer who rises to become the face of England’s 1381 Peasants’ Revolt. Set against the backdrop of a plague-stricken 14th-century England, the film chronicles his evolution from an oppressed commoner to the legendary leader of an uprising against the Crown.

According to the film’s official synopsis, Garfield’s character rallies an army of ordinary people to confront the king’s forces in a quest for justice and survival. This narrative aligns seamlessly with Greengrass’ filmmaking style, which often centers on regular individuals caught in pivotal historical moments.

Garfield is joined by a talented ensemble cast that includes Jamie Bell, Stephen Dillane, Tom Hollander, Cosmo Jarvis, Thomasin McKenzie, Jonny Lee Miller, Woody Norman, and Katherine Waterston. This impressive supporting cast adds substantial dramatic weight to the rebellion story beyond Garfield’s performance.

Greengrass not only directed ‘The Uprising’ but also took on writing and producing duties, collaborating with producers Gregory Goodman and Joanna Kaye. The producing team also includes Jason Blum, Lars Sylvest, and Joe Neurauter, blending backgrounds in both prestige drama and genre filmmaking.

The film’s technical aspects boast significant talent as well. Cinematographer Pål Ulvik Rokseth crafted the film’s visuals, while editor William Goldenberg, a five-time Oscar nominee and Best Film Editing winner for ‘Argo,’ pieced together the final cut.

Composer Volker Bertelmann, a three-time Oscar nominee who won Best Original Score for ‘All Quiet On The Western Front,’ provided the score for the film. This level of behind-the-scenes talent suggests that Focus Features is positioning ‘The Uprising’ as a serious contender for awards season rather than just another action spectacle.

The film’s journey has been marked by years of delays and changes. Initially announced in 2022 as ‘The Hood’ with Cumberbatch attached, the project went quiet for a significant period.

In 2025, it re-emerged under the title ‘The Rage’ with McConaughey set to star, but he eventually exited the project, leading to Garfield stepping in. The film was retitled to ‘The Uprising’ in October of that year, coinciding with the assembly of most of its supporting cast.

Principal photography took place in Germany’s Franconia region, including locations around Nuremberg and the Penzing Studios near Munich. This lengthy path to production makes the release of an actual trailer feel like a significant achievement after years of shifting titles and casting.

Both Greengrass and Garfield bring considerable awards season credibility to the project. Greengrass previously received a Best Director nomination for ‘United 93,’ while Garfield has two Best Actor nominations for ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ and ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’

Jamie Bell adds another layer of prestige as a BAFTA winner for his breakout role in ‘Billy Elliot,’ completing a cast that merges acclaimed performers with Greengrass’ signature gritty realism. With early Oscar predictions already viewing the film as a long shot, there is evident industry buzz surrounding what Greengrass and Garfield have created.

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