The upcoming A24 feature How to Make a Killing has captured national attention after its trailer arrived in late November, bringing a wave of interest from U.S. viewers curious about how to make a killing movie that blends dark humor, sharp social commentary, and a high-pressure revenge storyline. With a theatrical release scheduled for February 20, 2026, the film is now one of the most talked-about titles heading into the new year.
Set within the world of extreme wealth, family disputes, and a quest for power, the film offers a modern exploration of ambition pushed to its most dangerous limits. The project has been in the works for years, shifting titles and evolving creatively before finally emerging with a polished identity and a strong cast headlined by Glen Powell. Now, with marketing in full swing, audiences are getting their clearest picture yet of what the finished film promises.
Below is a full breakdown of everything known so far—including themes, cast dynamics, production details, trailer takeaways, and what U.S. audiences can expect when it arrives in theaters.
A New Lens on Power and Inheritance
At the center of the story is Beckett Redfellow, a young man raised far from the life of luxury he should have been born into. After being cut off at birth from a billionaire family, he returns as an adult determined to reclaim the fortune he believes is his. Instead of pleading or negotiating, he takes a far more violent route, calculating how each relative stands in his way.
That central conflict is key to the film’s identity. Its story isn’t subtle, and it doesn’t pretend to be. It explores greed, resentment, entitlement, and survival, but it does so with a tone that mixes tension with humor. This blend is part of what makes it stand out in a crowded slate of thrillers and dark comedies.
The trailer reveals glimpses of Beckett’s transformation from an overlooked outsider to a determined, sharply dressed threat. While details of the script remain under wraps, the footage sets the stage for a story that’s both stylish and unsettling.
A Cast Built for High-Tension Storytelling
The casting aligns perfectly with the project’s blend of satire and suspense.
Glen Powell in a New Kind of Lead Role
Powell plays Beckett Redfellow, and this role represents one of his boldest character shifts to date. Known for both charismatic roles and clean-cut action heroes, he steps into darker territory here. The trailer showcases a version of Powell that viewers haven’t seen before—calm, calculated, and quietly dangerous.
Margaret Qualley Brings Unpredictable Energy
Qualley’s presence adds an unpredictable layer. Her characters often balance vulnerability and mystery, and this film seems ready to use both. She appears connected to Beckett’s journey, though the trailer doesn’t reveal whether she’s ally, obstacle, or something in between.
Jessica Henwick and Bill Camp Add Depth
Henwick, known for grounded and emotionally complex performances, brings intensity to the film’s more dramatic moments. Bill Camp’s involvement adds gravitas. His roles frequently carry a sharp intelligence, making him a natural fit for a narrative centered on strategy and deception.
A Strong Supporting Ensemble
Ed Harris, Zach Woods, and Topher Grace round out the cast. Each brings a unique energy that helps build an onscreen family filled with tension, secrets, and privilege. Their interactions with Powell’s character will likely provide some of the most gripping moments.
A Director Focused on Style and Tension
John Patton Ford, who previously delivered an acclaimed character-driven thriller, brings his signature focus on desperation, flawed ambition, and realism. For this project, he steps into a larger production with more resources, which means richer visuals, sharper pacing, and deeper layers of performance from the cast.
Ford’s strength lies in building worlds that feel grounded yet cinematic. That approach suits this story perfectly, since the world of extreme wealth often contains both beauty and danger beneath the surface.
A Trailer That Signals What’s Coming
The newly released trailer plays a major role in driving buzz. It opens with a pristine family setting—sleek architecture, modern interiors, and a tone of generational privilege. That visual luxury contrasts sharply with Beckett’s calm explanation of how each family member stands between him and a life-changing inheritance.
Key trailer highlights include:
- Beckett’s transformation from marginalized outsider to controlled threat
- A montage of strategic moves that hint at murder without showing it directly
- Quick shifts between dark humor and near-violent tension
- Snippets of confrontations that suggest the family is not as unified as they appear
- A bright, stylish color palette that masks the darker intentions beneath
The trailer avoids revealing plot twists but delivers enough substance to shape audience expectations.
Themes That Resonate With U.S. Viewers
Wealth Inequality
American audiences have shown growing interest in stories that examine privilege and financial excess. This film taps into those cultural conversations, surrounding them with dark comedy rather than heavy drama.
Family Rivalry
At its core, the movie is about a family built on power, not loyalty. This premise has timeless appeal and fits comfortably within the modern trend of stories about dynasties and generational wealth.
Moral Collapse
The film doesn’t hide the fact that Beckett is willing to take extreme action. That bold storytelling choice elevates the stakes and introduces ethical questions that give viewers something to debate long after the credits roll.
Where Production Took Place
Though the story feels distinctly American, production work was carried out in Cape Town, South Africa. The filming locations provide the visual scale, clean architectural lines, and sprawling landscapes that fit a story centered around a billionaire dynasty.
South Africa’s production infrastructure, growing film economy, and strong location variety make it a frequent choice for U.S. productions looking for large-scale visual environments that remain cost-effective.
A24’s Signature Touch
A24’s involvement adds credibility and raises expectations. The studio is known for sharp, bold films that take risks and trust audiences to follow inventive storytelling. The company’s marketing approach often emphasizes tone and character rather than overexposing plot twists, which matches the strategy for this release.
Given how prominent A24 projects have become in recent years, many viewers now look to the studio as a marker of quality, originality, and thematic depth.
Why This Film Is Generating Momentum
Several factors contribute to the rising excitement:
- A major star entering his darkest role yet
- A polished, stylish trailer
- A timely theme centered around wealth and power
- A blend of thriller and dark comedy rarely seen at this scale
- A release window that avoids overcrowded competition
Together, these elements create a path for the film to perform well at the box office while also sparking cultural conversations.
What U.S. Audiences Can Expect in February 2026
Expect a film that balances sharp humor with escalating danger. Viewers can anticipate intense confrontations, unexpected alliances, and a storyline that builds tension scene by scene. The tone may surprise audiences who only know Powell from more polished, heroic characters. Here, he leans into something colder—yet still charismatic enough to hold the story.
The movie avoids slow pacing, based on early footage. Every moment appears to serve Beckett’s goal. Every scene adds pressure. Every interaction hints at hidden motives.
Fans of thrillers, satire, and character-driven storytelling will likely find something to appreciate.
A Detailed Timeline
| Development Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Trailer release | November 2025 |
| Marketing campaign launch | Late November 2025 |
| Final promotional wave | Early February 2026 |
| U.S. theatrical release | February 20, 2026 |
Final Thoughts
The excitement around this project shows no sign of slowing. With a striking concept, a bold lead performance, and a release date that positions it for early-year momentum, the film is set to spark major discussion. Fans of thrillers, dark comedies, and stories about ambition pushed to the limit will want to keep this one on their radar.
If you’re following how to make a killing movie and everything this film promises, let us know your thoughts or share what you’re most excited to see when it hits theaters.