Clint Eastwood’s ‘Juror #2’ Lands Limited November Release Date After Closing AFI Fest

Clint Eastwood’s ‘Juror #2’ Lands Limited November Release Date After Closing AFI Fest

I suppose I should post this, if only out of loyalty towards the fan community - although I have to admit, my enthusiasm in regards to Clint’s latest film has probably never been so low. I know I’m not alone here, I’m hearing the same general thing from many fans. The seemingly lacklustre build up to Juror #2 has been incredibly disappointing, with advance publicity being virtually zero, it can only be described as poor. We can only surmise this is down to Warner Bros who seem increasingly reluctant to push and celebrate Clint’s latest project. There seems to be a feeling that if a film doesn’t feature some stereotypical comic book hero or is a special effects laden piece of crap - that it simply isn't worth the time of day. God forbid, if we are asked to sit through a human story or a drama that requires an ounce of thought? The times have certainly changed - and arguably for the worse. Diversity seems to have become a thing of the past, and I find that incredibly depressing. Anyway, for what it’s worth, here’s the latest on Juror #2 and it’s ‘limited’ release according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Warner Bros. is behind the 94-year-old filmmaker's film, which stars Nicholas Hoult.

Prolific filmmaker Clint Eastwood‘s thriller Juror #2 will open in select theaters on Nov. 1, days after making its world premiere as the closing-night film of the 38th AFI Fest.

The 94-year-old director’s new film stars Nicholas Hoult as a family man who, while serving as a juror on a high-profile murder trial, finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma he could use to influence the verdict and potentially convict, or free, the wrong killer. Toni Collette, J.K. Simmons, Chris Messina, Gabriel Basso, Zoey Deutch, Cedric Yarbrough, Leslie Bibb and Kiefer Sutherland also star.

There’s been speculation as to whether Juror #2 will be a part of this year’s awards race, and that chatter will only increase now that it is opening during the heart of awards season and playing at AFI, just like his Oscar contenders American Sniper and Richard Jewell.

In this instance, however, the AFI Fest event is first and foremost intended to honor Eastwood’s long and iconic career, and it’s unclear if there will be an awards push for the film, according to sources.

(Below: Another picture of Clint on set - with a beard - which seemed to be the main focus of media attention during the production of Juror #2)

“There is only one Clint Eastwood — and AFI is proud to present the world premiere of this next chapter in his historic canon,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We are honored to bring the community together once again — artists and audiences — to celebrate an American icon.”

Generally, Warners makes Eastwood’s films available nationwide. So far, there are no plans beyond a limited run.

In 1996, Eastwood received the 24th AFI Life Achievement Award, and in 2009, he received an AFI honorary degree for his contributions of distinction to the art of the moving image.

The AFI Fest is presented by Canva, and runs Oct. 23-27. Juror #2 will screen at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Oct. 27.

Eastwood — who hasn’t said whether Juror # 2 might be his last film — directed from a script by Jonathan Abrams, and produced alongside Tim Moore, Jessica Meier, Adam Goodman and Matt Skiena. David M. Bernstein, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Jeremy Bell exec produced.

A UK cinema date is scheduled for November 1st.