News of the World Movie cast is a 2020 American Western film that Paul Greengrass co-wrote and directed. Based on the life of Paulette Jiles, the movie 2016 novel has an impressive ensemble led by Tom Hanks and introduces Helena Zengel in her international film debut. Because of its performances, the movie received favorable reviews, direction, and technical aspects, earning several award nominations.
News of the World Movie Cast
The News of the World movie cast includes:
- Tom Hanks as Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd: A former Confederate officer who travels town to town reading newspapers to locals.
- Helena Zengel as Johanna Leonberger: A young girl raised by the Kiowa tribe, now needing to be returned to her biological relatives.
- Michael Angelo Covino as Almay: One of the antagonists.
- Ray McKinnon as Simon Boudlin: A friend of Kidd.
- Mare Winningham as Doris Boudlin: Simon’s wife.
- Elizabeth Marvel as Ella Gannett: An innkeeper and old acquaintance of Kidd.
- Fred Hechinger as John Calley: A significant supporting character.
- Bill Camp as Mr. Branholme: Another supporting character.
- Thomas Francis Murphy as Mr. Farley: The film’s primary antagonist.
- Gabriel Ebert as Benjamin Farley: Farley’s son.
- Neil Sandilands and Winsome Brown: Portraying Johanna’s Uncle Wilhelm and Aunt Anna, respectively.
Plot Overview
Set in 1870, News of the World movie cast follows Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, who discovers a young girl, Johanna, after a tragic event. Johanna, originally kidnapped and adopted by the Kiowa tribe, must be returned to her biological aunt and uncle in Castroville, Texas. The journey is difficult, filled with challenges that bring Kidd and Johanna closer, ultimately leading to a touching and dramatic conclusion.
Production Insights
Development and Casting
The project began in May 2017, with Fox 2000 Pictures acquiring the rights. Tom Hanks was attached to star, and Paul Greengrass joined as the director in February 2019. The film transitioned to Universal Pictures following Disney’s acquisition of Fox 2000’s parent company. Fred Hechinger, Michael Covino, and Helena Zengel were among the cast additions in 2019.
Filming Locations
Filming started on September 2, 2019, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and wrapped up by November 2020. Key scenes were shot at the Bonanza Creek Ranch, with CGI enhancing the set’s buildings. Kiowa Tribe member Dorothy WhiteHorse played a crucial role in ensuring cultural accuracy for Zengel’s portrayal of Johanna.
Release and Reception
Box Office Performance
News of the World movie cast was released theatrically in the United States on December 25, 2020, by Universal Pictures, grossing $12 million. Internationally, Netflix distributed the film on February 10, 2021. Despite the pandemic, the film performed reasonably well at the box office.
Critical Acclaim
On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has an 88% approval rating and a Metacritic score of 73. Critics praised Hanks and Zengel’s performances, the cinematography, and Greengrass’s direction. It received several nominations, including four at the Academy Awards and two at the Golden Globes.
Awards and Nominations
“News of the World” earned multiple accolades:
- Academy Awards: Top Original Rating and Top Original Rating nominations: Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Sound.
- Golden Globe Awards: Helena Zengel was nominated for Best Supporting Actress.
- Screen Actors Guild Awards: Zengel received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress Performance by a Female Actor.
News of the World Movie Cast A Stellar Ensemble in a Gripping Western Tale
Released in 2020, News of the World movie cast is a poignant American Western film directed by Paul Greengrass. The movie, based on Paulette Jiles’ 2016 novel, stars the legendary Tom Hanks and introduces Helena Zengel in her international film debut. The story follows an aging Veteran of the Civil War assigned to bring back a little girl abducted by the Kiowa and raised as one of them by her last remaining family. This journey across the rugged Texas landscape forms the crux of this gripping narrative.
The Captivating News of the World movie cast
Tom Hanks as Captain Kidd
Tom Hanks, one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, takes on the role of Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a former Confederate officer. Kidd travels from town to town in post-Civil War Texas, earning a living by reading newspaper stories to residents. Hanks brings his signature charm and depth to the role, portraying Kidd’s transformation from a weary veteran to a father figure with grace and authenticity.
Helena Zengel as Johanna
Helena Zengel, in her international film debut, delivers a standout performance as Johanna Leonberger, a young girl who has lost both her birth and Kiowa families. Zengel’s portrayal of Johanna, who only speaks Kiowa and is initially resistant to Kidd’s help, has earned her widespread acclaim. Her powerful performance garnered her nominees forthe Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globes for Best Supporting Actress.
Supporting Cast
- Michael Angelo Covino as Almay: Covino plays Almay, one of the three ex-Confederate soldiers who pursue Kidd and Johanna, adding tension and danger to their journey.
- Ray McKinnon as Simon Boudlin and Mare Winningham as Doris Boudlin: The Boudlins are friends of Captain Kidd, who initially take in Johanna, providing a brief respite in their arduous journey.
- Elizabeth Marvel as Mrs. Gannett: An old acquaintance of Kidd who helps bridge the language gap between Kidd and Johanna.
- Fred Hechinger as John Calley: One of Farley’s henchmen who becomes inspired by Kidd’s words and turns against his leader.
- Thomas Francis Murphy as Mr. Farley and Gabriel Ebert as Benjamin Farley: The Farleys are key antagonists, with Mr. Farley being a racist cattle baron controlling Erath County.
- Neil Sandilands and Winsome Brown as Johanna’s Uncle Wilhelm and Aunt Anna: They play the roles of Johanna’s last remaining family members, who struggle to understand her and her experiences.
Production Highlights
The film’s production journey began with Fox 2000 Pictures acquiring the rights in May 2017. Eventually, Universal Pictures took over the project following Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox. Filming started in September 2019 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with significant scenes shot at the Bonanza Creek Ranch.
Dorothy WhiteHorse, a Kiowa Tribe member, coached Helena Zengel in the Kiowa language, ensuring an authentic representation of Native American culture. The production’s attention to detail and historical accuracy have been widely praised, particularly by Kiowa Tribal Chairman Matthew Komalty.
Release and Reception
News of the World movie cast was released theatrically in the United States on December 25, 2020, and later on Netflix for international audiences on February 10, 2021. Critics gave the movie favorable reviews, with particular praise for the performances of Hanks and Zengel, the cinematography, and the musical score. At the 93rd Academy Awards, it garnered nominees for Best Production Design, Best Sound, Best Original Score, and Best Cinematography.
Box Office Performance
In spite of the difficulties the pandemic has caused, the film grossed $12 million worldwide. It opened second at the box office behind “Wonder Woman 1984,” reflecting a strong performance in a difficult market.
Critical Acclaim
On Rotten Tomatoes, News of the World movie cast holds an impressive 88% approval rating, with critics highlighting its “comfortingly familiar Western trail” and Tom Hanks’ “peak paternal mode.” Metacritic gives it a score of 73 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews.
Conclusion
News of the World movie cast is a testament to the enduring appeal of Westerns and the power of a well-told story. With Tom Hanks and Helena Zengel leading an exceptional cast, the film offers a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences. The journey of Captain Kidd and Johanna is not just a physical one but an emotional voyage that underscores themes of family, resilience, and redemption.
For more insights and details on the film, the news of the world movie cast, and their stellar performances, this film is a must-see for both movie buffs and fans of the genre. News of the World movie cast is a noteworthy Western film that stands out for its compelling performances and storytelling. The impressive News of the World movie cast, led by Tom Hanks and Helena Zengel, brings depth and emotion to this touching narrative.
