Hot off the news thatClint Eastwoodshot and finishedRichard Jewellfaster than anyone could process the fact Clint Eastwood was even makingRichard Jewell, the first images from the film have arrived. Putting starsPaul Walter Hauser,Sam Rockwell, andKathy Batesfront and center, the photos tease an emotional film that follows a true-story tragedy that turned into one of the most flaming hot media messes to ever exist.
The real-life Jewell (Hauser) was working as a security guard during the 1996 Sumer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia when he discovered a bag filled with pipe bombs. Alerting the nearby police, Jewell played a pivotal part in evacuating the area and saving several lives. He was lauded as a hero for three days before authorities identified him as a “person of interest”, leading to a media storm painting Jewell as a suspect and leading him down a dark personal path.
Hauser certainly looks the part, and the actor has put in some powerhouse supporting performances in biopics likeI, TonyaandBlackKklansman—plusCobra Kai, which is a bopic in my heart—so I’m excited to see him finally lead a charge. Rockwell joins him as Jewell’s defense attorney, a role originally filled byLeonardo DiCaprioback whenJonah Hillwas attached to play Jewell andEzra Edelman(O.J.: Made In America) was directing. That line-up results in amuchdifferent movie, for sure, but it’s Eastwood replacing Edelman I’m most wary of; based on recent output likeThe15:17 to ParisandThe Mule, I’m not sure Eastwood is gonna' use the, uh, delicate touch required to take on the dangers of a 24-hour news cycle, especially under a 2019 lense.
Check out the images below.Richard Jewell—which also starsJon HammandOlivia Wilde—hits theaters on December 13. The film was written byBilly Ray, based on the magazine article byMarie Brenner.
