Andrew Garfield has so far starred in two historical dramas, each helmed by two of Hollywood’s auteur directors. Garfield played a real-life superhero in Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge, a World War II medic who saved his fellow soldiers without firing a single shot. In Martin Scorsese’s Silence, Garfield played a 17th-century Jesuit priest sent on a risky mission to feudal Japan. It has been a while since he played such roles, but the long wait is over — he’s set to play another historical figure, working with another celebrated director.
First announced in 2022, Paul Greengrass’ The Uprising went through development hell before ending up as its current iteration. Initially titled The Hood, the film was set to star Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role. The project stalled until February 2025, when it was retitled to The Rage, with Matthew McConaughey replacing Cumberbatch. McConaughey departed the project by May that same year, and Garfield was immediately brought in to take over. The Rage was retitled to The Uprising last October.
Paul Greengrass has directed a handful of historical dramas, most notably Bloody Sunday, a docudrama about the 1972 Irish civil rights rally shootings; United 93, which recounted the events of the hijacked flight on 9/11; and 22 July, which chronicled the aftermath of the 2011 Norway terrorist attacks. Greengrass also has a knack for gritty action and gripping action dramas, as showcased in his iconic Jason Bourne movies. The Uprising is another Greengrass period piece, this time set in 14th-century England.
Andrew Garfield in ‘The Uprising’ movie poster.Focus Features
The first poster for The Uprising features Garfield as Wat Tyler, a humble farmer who later led the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt in England. The film follows Tyler’s transformation from an oppressed peasant to a legendary leader, rallying an army of commoners against King Richard II. The Uprising boasts an ensemble cast starring Thomasin McKenzie (Leave No Trace), Katherine Waterston (Inherent Vice), Jamie Bell (Flags of Our Fathers), and Cosmo Jarvis (Shogun).
The Uprising is expected to be a relentless action drama, considering Greengrass’ filmmaking style. His movies are urgent and tense, the action scenes are in-your-face and claustrophobic. It’s yet to be seen if The Uprising will showcase Greengrass’ shaky cam techniques, but it’s not that far-fetched, considering the film will likely feature small-scale melees and skirmishes.
Garfield has three films coming out this year — the fantasy adventure The Magic Faraway Tree, The Uprising, and Artificial, where he’s set to play OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman. He will also co-star with Jude Law in Wild Things, a biographical drama about Siegfried & Roy, iconic entertainers who performed with lions in Las Vegas shows for over 30 years, until an onstage accident ended both of their careers. Garfield will play Roy Horn in the upcoming miniseries.
The Uprising hits theaters on Sept. 11, 2026.
Release Date
September 11, 2026
Director
Paul Greengrass
Writers
Paul Greengrass
Producers
Gregory Goodman, Jason Blum, Joanna Kaye, Lars Sylvest, Paul Greengrass, Joe Neurauter