Russell Crowe is stepping into one of history’s most unsettling roles, in a film that puts conscience on the stand. Why tie its release to a date charged with remembrance, and what line must his performance refuse to cross?

France has a date circled for Nuremberg, James Vanderbilt’s historical drama of the postwar trials, with Russell Crowe inhabiting Hermann Göring. The film opens nationwide on January 28, 2026, following advance premieres on January 27 that align with Holocaust Remembrance Day. Distributor Nour Films, led by Patrick Sibourd, frames the release as an act of memory as much as cinema. Inside the courtroom, the story returns to the Nuremberg Trials and the daunting role at its center tests Crowe against history’s stark record.

Russell Crowe steps into a dark corner of history

Russell Crowe is no stranger to challenging roles, but his portrayal of Hermann Göring in the upcoming historical drama Nuremberg promises to be one of his most daring yet. Scheduled for a French release on January 28, 2026, this highly anticipated film takes audiences back to the aftermath of World War II, where justice sought to prevail in the midst of unspeakable atrocities.

The weight of the Nuremberg trials

Directed by James Vanderbilt, Nuremberg dives deeply into the iconic Nuremberg trials that began in November 1945 and ended in October 1946. These proceedings marked a turning point in international law as key Nazi leaders faced justice for crimes against humanity. Based on the book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai, the film offers both a legal and psychological exploration of this tumultuous period. What does it mean to hold people accountable on such an extraordinary scale?

Russell Crowe leads an ensemble cast featuring Rami Malek, Michael Shannon, John Slattery, and others, with each actor playing a role in reconstructing one of post-war history’s most haunting chapters.

A performance worth noting

Taking on the role of Hermann Göring is reportedly one of Crowe’s most ambitious acting challenges yet. Göring, a central figure among the defendants at the Nuremberg Trials, was not only infamous for his crimes but also for his commanding personality and manipulative rhetoric. Crowe’s ability to delve this deeply into such a notorious character is matched by his dedication to authenticity and dramatic weight. He is joined on screen by an equally talented ensemble, with Rami Malek and Michael Shannon offering added gravitas to the performances.

Honoring memory and history

The French premiere of Nuremberg is strategically scheduled for January 27, 2026, coinciding with Holocaust Remembrance Day. This thoughtful timing underscores the film’s intention to remind audiences of the importance of collective memory, especially as survivors of the Holocaust grow fewer with each passing year. Patrick Sibourd, President of Nour Films, commented on this connection, stating that the release date reflects the company’s commitment to honoring the past while engaging today’s audiences with powerful stories.

What to expect

Beyond its dramatic portrayal of history, Nuremberg aims to provoke introspection on accountability, justice, and human resilience. With its stellar cast, meticulous direction by James Vanderbilt, and a narrative steeped in historical weight, the film is poised to captivate audiences upon its release. Will it spark discussions about the lessons of history or shine a renewed light on the significance of these trials?

As the premiere date approaches, expectations run high for this cinematic journey, which promises to merge dramatic storytelling with a heartfelt homage to history’s enduring truths.