20th Century Studios has released the trailer for Jeff Nichols’ upcoming motorcycle gang drama “The Bikeriders,” starring Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Tom Hardy. The film opened the Telluride Film Festival on Aug. 31 to critical acclaim. Its theatrical release is scheduled for Dec. 1.
Based on Danny Lyon’s 1968 book of black-and white photographs, “The Bikeriders” follows a fictional Midwestern biker gang in 1965 Chicago called the Vandals. Austin Butler stars as Benny, a quietly smoldering young man who, like elder gang member and founder Johnny (Hardy), is unconditionally devoted to the club. Jodie Comer stars as Kathy, Benny’s wife who fell for him at a young age and grapples with the consequences of Benny’s involvement in the group. The trailer reveals that the gang eventually gets involved with criminal activity and shows the violence that followed.
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The trailer also shows that Mike Faist (“West Side Story,” Dear Evan Hansen”), stars as a fictional version of Lyon, the photographer who captured the real-life 1960s bikers that inspired the characters in the film. In a meta nod to Lyon’s work chronicling the bikers’ lives, Faist is shown interviewing Kathy about her relationship and the gang. The innocent Kathy allows the “Killing Eve” star Comer to showcase an all new side to her, complete with a unique Midwestern accent.
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Michael Shannon, Boyd Holbrook, Damon Herriman, Beau Knapp, Emory Cohen and Karl Glusman also star.
Nichols is the director behind “Loving,” “Midnight Special” and “Mud,” having already amassed experience working on period films and shooting in midwestern locales. He also penned the script.
“Bikeriders” is produced by Regency Enterprises, New Regency Productions, Tri-State Pictures and 20th Century Studios.
Watch the trailer below.