Focus Features Unveils First Look at Historical Epic
Focus Features has officially launched the marketing campaign for The Uprising, a major historical drama directed by Paul Greengrass. The film, which is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 11, marks a significant departure for the director, known primarily for his contemporary thrillers and modern-day event dramas like United 93 and Captain Phillips.
The newly released trailer showcases Andrew Garfield in the role of a grieving farmer-turned-revolutionary. Set in 1381, in the volatile aftermath of the Black Death, the film depicts the real-world Peasants’ Revolt, which saw commoners rise up against the taxation policies of King Richard II. The narrative centers on the protagonist’s accidental transition from a man mourning his family to the reluctant leader of a movement aimed at challenging the monarchy’s grip on a struggling feudal society.
A Rare Cinematic Exploration of 1381
The 1381 Peasants’ Revolt remains an under-explored chapter in mainstream cinema. Aside from a 1969 feature starring Anthony Hopkins, few productions have tackled this pivotal moment in British social history. Greengrass, who wrote, directed, and produced the film, frames the narrative through the lens of “ordinary” heroism. According to production details provided to People, the director sought to emphasize that the protagonist lacks traditional “superhero” traits, instead grounding the character’s journey in the raw, relatable grievances of the common folk.
The ensemble cast features notable actors including Jamie Bell, who plays the legendary John Ball, and Cosmo Jarvis as Wat Tyler, alongside Stephen Dillane, Thomasin McKenzie, and Katherine Waterston. The production, supported by producers such as Jason Blum and Gregory Goodman, aims to balance large-scale historical action with the intimate emotional stakes of those caught in the conflict.
Institutional Stakes and Narrative Shift
For Paul Greengrass, The Uprising represents a strategic shift toward deeper historical inquiry. While his filmography is defined by “ripped-from-the-headlines” intensity, this project attempts to apply that same visceral, documentary-style urgency to the medieval period. The film explores the universal themes of systemic inequality and the breaking point of a population strained by war—specifically the Hundred Years’ War—and plague.
The marketing push arrives at a busy time for Andrew Garfield, who is also headlining the upcoming AI-focused satire Artificial. With The Uprising, the production team is banking on Garfield’s ability to anchor high-stakes historical drama with the same vulnerability he has demonstrated in his recent career. As the film approaches its September premiere, it stands as a litmus test for whether a gritty, historically grounded approach to medieval rebellion can resonate with modern audiences accustomed to more stylized blockbusters.