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First Trailer for ‘William Tell’ Movie Starring Ben Kingsley & Claes Bang
by Alex Billington
October 25, 2024
Source: YouTube
“This is about our freedom, our families!” Altitude Films has revealed the first trailer for the film William Tell, an epic new look at this iconic fictional character. It just premiered at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival last month to mostly mixed reviews, and it’s set for a UK release in January. Though no US release has been set. As the nations of medieval Europe struggle for power, the ruthless Austrian Empire invades neighboring Switzerland, and a peaceful huntsman, William Tell, is thrust into the heart of their resistance. The story unfolds in the 14th Century amidst the days of the Holy Roman Empire where Europe’s nations fiercely vie for supremacy and the ambitious Austrians, desiring more land, encroach upon Switzerland, a serene and pastoral nation. TIFF says it is “full of bravery, honour, and some dazzling battles, this big-screen version of the legendary hero’s tale is pure pleasure to watch. William Tell may or may not have existed in real life, but his story is so irresistible that it has become the origin story of Switzerland.” Claes Bang stars as William Tell, in a cast including Connor Swindells, Golshifteh Farahani, Jonah Hauer-King, Ellie Bamber, Rafe Spall, Emily Beecham, Jonathan Pryce, and Sir Ben Kingsley. This does look epic & glorious.
Here’s the first official trailer (+ poster) for Nick Hamm’s film William Tell, direct from YouTube:
Original intro via TIFF: “In 1307, a cruel Austrian Hapsburg king (Sir Ben Kingsley) occupies the bordering Swiss cantons. His tax collectors oppress and violate the [Swiss] citizens, driving one farmer to thoughts of murderous revenge. Fleeing across a vast landscape, this farmer finds only one man who will come to his aid: William Tell (Claes Bang). Tell has returned home weary after fighting with the Knights Templar in the Holy Land. Now seeking only a quiet life with the wife he met there (Golshifteh Farahani), he’s nevertheless bound by his principles. When pushed beyond his limits by the villainy of the Hapsburg court, Tell picks up his weapons and rides into battle.” William Tell is written and directed by Northern Irish filmmaker Nick Hamm, director of the films The Very Thought of You, Talk of Angels, The Hole, Godsend, Killing Bono, The Journey, Driven, White Lines, and Gigi & Nate previously. Produced by Piers Tempest, Marie-Christine Jaeger-Firmenich, and Nick Hamm. This initially premiered at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival this fall, and it also played at Zurich Film Festival. Altitude Films will debut William Tell in UK & Irish cinemas starting on January 10th, 2025 early next year. No US release date is set yet – stay tuned. Look any good so far?
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