A24 has released the highly anticipated trailer for How to Make a Killing, led by Glen Powell in one of his most intense roles to date. With a chilling premise, razor-sharp tension, and a grounded, real-world storyline, the project is already generating massive attention across social platforms and within industry circles. Here’s everything we know so far — from the plot and casting to release expectations, early reactions, and why this film may become the next major A24 obsession.
Glen Powell Takes a Dark Turn in How to Make a Killing
Glen Powell has officially stepped into a side of storytelling fans haven’t seen from him before. Known for his breakout charm in Anyone But You and the adrenaline-fueled Top Gun: Maverick, Powell is now leading a gritty crime thriller that trades romance and heroism for psychological pressure and moral gray zones.
The newly released trailer positions him at the center of a story that feels urgent, unsettling, and painfully relevant — the kind of grounded A24 narrative that leaves audiences thinking long after the credits roll.
A Premise Rooted in Real-World Tension
The film focuses on the rise of a deadly black-market industry built on desperation and profit. Instead of leaning into fantasy or heightened violence, the story digs into the kind of systemic manipulation and human stakes that land uncomfortably close to reality.
Powell plays a character whose life turns into a dangerous negotiation between financial survival, legal lines, and moral collapse. The trailer wastes no time showing just how fast a seemingly reasonable decision can spiral into something irreversible.
A24 Continues Its Run of Thought-Provoking Thrillers
A24 has built a reputation for doing the unexpected — and doing it well. Films like Uncut Gems and The Killing of a Sacred Deer proved that high-intensity storytelling doesn’t need explosions to keep audiences gripping their seats.
How to Make a Killing appears to follow in that lineage, combining:
- grounded stakes
- internal conflict
- atmospheric tension
- a character-driven narrative
The visuals in the trailer favor realism over stylization, suggesting a story that unfolds in recognizable environments rather than cinematic exaggeration. That choice alone raises anticipation — when a thriller feels real, it hits harder.
Why This Trailer Is Getting So Much Attention
Several factors are driving the buzz:
- Glen Powell taking on his darkest role yet
- A24’s proven success with pressure-cooker storytelling
- A concept that reflects modern anxieties
- An ominous tone that builds without revealing too much
The trailer avoids major plot spoilers, focusing instead on mood — a strategy that typically pays off for films that want audiences to discover the story in real time rather than through marketing.
Glen Powell’s Momentum Isn’t Slowing Down
If 2024 and 2025 were breakout years for Powell, 2026 might be career-defining.
He has moved from rom-com favorite to a versatile leading actor capable of pivoting into intensity, suspense, or emotional complexity. Industry watchers have already noted that his recent choices signal long-term positioning — the kind of strategic shift that separates rising stars from lasting ones.
Why This Role Could Change His Career Trajectory
This film gives Powell something new:
- a morally conflicted character
- psychological tension instead of physical heroism
- slow-burn storytelling instead of high-energy spectacle
Actors often break out when they surprise audiences — and this project gives Powell the space to do exactly that.
What the Trailer Reveals About the Story
While the teaser remains careful, several clues stand out:
- Powell’s character is pulled into a dangerous scheme with high-risk payoff
- the danger escalates gradually, not instantly
- the tone suggests internal unraveling rather than external action
- trust — or the lack of it — plays a central role
There’s also a sense that the story explores not just crime, but the systems that create it — turning the film into commentary rather than spectacle.
No Flash, Just Rising Dread
Unlike many modern thrillers, nothing in the trailer feels exaggerated:
- no stylized violence
- no over-the-top villains
- no dramatic monologues
Instead, the fear builds through silence, hesitation, and everyday settings — which only makes it more unsettling.
Release Window and What Happens Next
While the film’s full release date has not yet been officially confirmed, the industry expectation is a 2026 rollout, positioning it for potential festival debuts before wide distribution.
This timing makes sense:
- A24 often favors strategic, slow-build releases
- early buzz suggests awards-season potential
- the trailer drop indicates that momentum is already in motion
As marketing ramps up, viewers can expect additional footage, character details, and interviews that shed light on the film’s emotional core.
Early Reaction Is Already Building
Even without a wide campaign, the trailer has sparked conversations across:
- film discussion forums
- social media platforms
- industry prediction sites
The takeaway so far? Audiences are ready for something grounded and intense — and Powell leading a project like this is enough to draw crowds before a single review appears.
Final Thoughts
How to Make a Killing is shaping up to be a thriller that doesn’t rely on spectacle, but on the kind of real-world pressure that makes viewers uneasy in all the right ways.
Between Powell’s performance shift, the stripped-down visual tone, and a storyline rooted in human consequences, the film has all the elements of a breakout success — not just in theaters, but in cultural conversation.
If the trailer is any indication, audiences won’t just watch this movie.
They’ll talk about it afterward.
Also Read : Eternity Movie Review: The Afterlife Romance Film Everyone’s Talking About
FAQ
What is How to Make a Killing about?
It follows a man drawn into a dangerous, real-world criminal network that begins as a financial choice and spirals into moral and legal consequences.
Who stars in the movie?
Glen Powell leads the cast, marking one of his darkest and most dramatic roles to date.
Who is releasing the film?
The movie comes from A24, known for grounded, tension-driven storytelling.
When will it be released?
A specific date has not been announced yet, but industry expectations point to a 2026 release window.
Why is the trailer getting so much attention?
Powell’s career shift, the realistic tone, and A24’s track record have combined to create early momentum even before full marketing begins.
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