The cigar-chewing figure of Winston Churchill looms large in history, having had direct influence over so many world-changing events that it’s difficult to wrangle them all together. It’s certainly too much for a single movie, which is why Churchill and many other depictions have focused on specific moments in his life. Here it’s the preparation for D-Day, which itself harkens back to his World War I failure at Gallipoli. See, even one monumental invasion brings up another in Churchill’s life. Such were the times he lived in.
And so there will be not one but two movies about Winston in 2017, with the simply named Churchill coming first. Director Jonathan Teplitzky leads this gauzy snapshot of World War II, which means audiences get not only a portrait of Churchill but also of Dwight D. Eisenhower and many other leaders of the time.
Those kind of prestige parts are bound to attract top performers, and Churchill is no exception. Brian Cox landed the titular role with Miranda Richardson, John Slattery, and Ella Purnell also starring. That cast can elevate even a stolid biopic, so expect Churchill to impress. How it will compare to Joe Wright’s Darkest Hour later this year, which many have pegged as an early awards contender for star Gary Oldman, remains to be seen, but with the earlier release date, Churchill will set the bar for the towering figure’s biopic.
Churchill is directed by Jonathan Teplitzky and stars Brian Cox, Miranda Richardson, and John Slattery. It will be released in the U.S. on June 2nd, 2017 and in the U.K. on June 16th, 2017. For international release dates, click here.
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