While Warner Bros. is expected to dominate the box office with their superhero adventureBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justiceopening on March 25, they also have another movie debuting one week earlier, thesci-fithrillerMidnight Special.Warner Bros.released a new trailer today, which showcases the ensemble cast includingMichael Shannon,Kirsten Dunst,Joel Edgerton,Adam DriverandSam Shepard.Midnight Specialis the latest from writer-directorJeff Nichols, who earned critical acclaim for his filmsTake ShelterandMud.
Midnight Specialis a provocative, genre-defying film as supernatural as it is intimately human, following a father, Roy (Michael Shannon), who goes on the run to protect his young son, Alton (Jaeden Lieberher), a boy with mysterious powers that even Roy himself cannot comprehend. What starts as a race from religious extremists and local law enforcement quickly escalates to a nationwide manhunt involving the highest levels of the Federal Government. Risking everything, Roy is committed to helping Alton reach his ultimate purpose, whatever that might be and whatever it costs, in a story that takes audiences on a perilous journey from Texas to the Florida coast, while exploring the bonds of love and trust, and the nature of faith.
Midnight Specialmarks the fourth timeMichael Shannonand writer-directorJeff Nicholshave worked together, following his first film Shotgun Stories and his follow-upsTake ShelterandMud. The director also worked withSam Shepardbefore onMud. Rounding out the main cast are Bill Camp, Scott Haze, Wayne Pére, Dana Michelle Gourrier and Paul Sparks.
Jeff Nicholsdirects from his own screenplay, with Sarah Greenand Brian Kavanaugh-Jones who previously collaborated with Nichols on his critically acclaimed thrillerTake Shelter, producing the film. Glen Basner, Hans Graffunder and Christos Konstantakopoulos are serving as executive producers. The thriller is set to hit theaters March 18 in limited release, going up against Summit’sThe Divergent Series: Allegiantand Tri-Star’sMiracles from Heavenat thebox office.
Michael Shannonis also expected to have some sort of presence inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, since he was seen briefly in one of the trailers as General Zod. This means he’ll have two movies opening on consecutive weekends, a rare occurrence for any actor. Take a look at the new trailer forMidnight Specialbelow, and stay tuned for more on this sci-fi thriller.
