Paul Greengrass' 'News of the World' Gets Release Date

Universal dates Paul Greengrass' latest flick 'News of the World' starring Tom Hanks for December 25th 2020, right in time for the awards season (hopefully)

Tom Hanks and Paul Greengrass on 'Captain Phillips' (CREDIT: Sony)

by Jack Linsdell

Regular readers know how much of an avid fan and admirer I am of British writer/director Paul Greengrass, whose impressive filmography, distinct style and immense filmmaking ability help to make him one of the best filmmakers in the business. And, so it's with much excitement that I can share that Greengrass' latest flick News of the World has been scheduled by his longstanding studio Universal Pictures for a December 25th 2020 release date.

Reteaming him with Tom Hanks from their 2013 smash hit/masterclass Captain Phillips, News of the World is Greengrass' first period drama, which will make this an interesting project to keep an eye on. For those that don't know, or need reminding, Greengrass has specialised in mostly modern day action-thrillers (The Bourne series, Green Zone) or based-on-real-life docu-dramas (Bloody Sunday, United 93, Captain Phillips, 22 July) from recent terrorist-themed events. So, News of the World, which is based on the National Book Award finalist and bestselling novel by Paulette Jiles, takes place five years after the American Civil War, and follows Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Hanks) who goes from town to town sharing news to the locals, having to deliver 10-year-old Johanna (Helena Zengel) to her biological aunt and uncle across the country by law. However, as the embark on the treacherous journey, the encounter both natural and human forces which make finding a place to call home difficult.

So, as you can see, this one will look and feel much different to Greengrass' usual flicks, which I actually think is not only refreshing (to see him try and different challenge) but also why he took on the project in the first place. But, still, considering his routes (and love for) journalism and history, this one still feels right up Greengrass' street, so it should be good. The other note, is that his films are becoming that much more frequent - he used to have a three year gap between movies (2007 Bourne Ultimatum, 2010 Green Zone, 2013 Captain Phillips and 2016 Jason Bourne), yet broke that when 22 July was released in 2018 and now News of the World will come in 2020. For a fan like me, I'm not complaining. But, much like Steven Spielberg or Clint Eastwood, it shows that the veteran filmmakers are far from slowing the pace down in their careers which is great to see.

As for the screenplay, Luke Davies (Lion) did an initial draft based on the novel of the same name, and (as usual) Greengrass did an adaption/rewrite to get the script up to scratch. Even when Greengrass hasn't been credited as a writer on one of his films, he has always had control of the story he's telling, whether that's rewriting bits himself (The Bourne Supremacy/Ultimatum), or directing writers to making certain artistic choices. For example, on Captain Phillips, screenwriter Billy Ray had adapted Captain Richard Phillips book on his ordeal quite literally. And, when Greengrass came on board, he told Ray to set it mostly out at sea, as he felt with over half the film spent on dry land (with scenes of Phillips having dinner with his wife etc.) was quite dull. If you imagine Captain Phillips set mostly on dry land with very little thrilling tension that Greengrass brought in too, how much different (and by that I mean worse) would it have been. So, yes folks, Greengrass is not just a competent director. He's a fantastic storyteller too.

And, we can't not mention Tom Hanks, who continues also to bring his a-game to every film he completes from Bridge of Spies to Sully, his recent flicks have been some of his career-best performances. Considering this, and how successful is collaboration with Greengrass was on Captain Phillips, this one promises to be a cinematic treat. And, as it's release date puts it right into the awards season, let's hope they both get some long overdue recognition for their talents in front of (Hanks) and behind (Greengrass) the camera.

Anyway, reteaming with editor William Goldenberg (from 22 July, not going with his frequent collaborator Christopher Rouse) and working with a new cinematographer Dariusz Wolski (whose impressive credits include The Walk, Sicario 2: Day of the Soldado and The Martian), this one promises to be a well-made and beautifully-shot movie too. News of the World opens in cinemas from Universal Pictures on 25th December 2020.