The Uprising (2026) Full Movie Watch Online
Official streaming release dates, theatrical showtimes, full cast bios, and official 4K trailers. Everything you need to know to watch Paul Greengrass's historical epic starring Andrew Garfield online legally.
The Uprising (2026) Movie Watch Online
Quick Movie Facts
The Uprising: A Defining Historical Action Drama
In an era dominated by CGI-heavy fantasy epics and formulaic superhero franchises, Focus Features and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Paul Greengrass have mounted one of the most ambitious and grounded historical productions in modern British cinema: The Uprising (2026). Starring two-time Oscar nominee Andrew Garfield, the film dramatizes the explosive summer of 1381, when an army of rural English commoners shook the foundation of feudal monarchy during the Great Rising (Peasants' Revolt).
Directed and written by Greengrass, The Uprising unites high-stakes political intrigue, grassroots popular insurrection, and visceral combat realism. Set thirty years after the catastrophic devastation of the Black Death, the film captures a kingdom fractured by social injustice, severe wage caps, and predatory crown taxation. Rather than portraying medieval history through the romanticized lens of chivalric knights or idealized kings, Greengrass approaches the material with the same ground-level, documentary urgency that defined his masterworks United 93 (2006), The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), and Captain Phillips (2013).
At the center of this maelstrom is Andrew Garfield’s commanding performance as an English ploughman whose personal suffering catalyzes a nationwide rebellion. Alongside radical preacher John Ball (played by BAFTA winner Jamie Bell) and rebel tactician Wat Tyler (portrayed by Shōgun star Cosmo Jarvis), Garfield’s protagonist leads tens of thousands of laborers on an unprecedented march from Kent and Essex directly into the heart of London.
Scheduled for nationwide domestic theatrical release on September 11, 2026, The Uprising represents a significant cinematic milestone. Produced in partnership with Jason Blum (Blumhouse Productions) and FilmNation Entertainment, the film offers a powerful, authentic reflection on the eternal struggle for human dignity, economic justice, and freedom from tyranny.
The Uprising Movie Story
In the summer of 1381, England is a powder keg of societal fury. Three decades after the Black Death eliminated nearly half the kingdom's working populace, the surviving agricultural laborers find themselves shackled by the oppressive Statute of Labourers—a royal mandate designed by the landed nobility to artificially suppress wages and legally bind peasants to their ancestral estates under the medieval condition of serfdom (villeinage).
As the costly Hundred Years' War against France drains the royal treasury, the council of fourteen-year-old King Richard II levies a ruinous third Poll Tax: an aggressive flat levy demanding equal payment from destitute serfs and wealthy merchants alike. When crown commissioners arrive in Essex to enforce payment through intimidation and seizure of vital agricultural livestock, the local villagers refuse to submit.
A resilient ploughman (Andrew Garfield), having endured the loss of his livelihood and family security, steps forward to protect his community. What begins as a local skirmish in Brentwood rapidly ignites across the counties of Essex and Kent. The commoners unite with charismatic Lollard priest John Ball (Jamie Bell), who has been preaching that all men and women are born equal under God, and veteran tactician Wat Tyler (Cosmo Jarvis), who organizes the disparate bands of blacksmiths, yeomen, and farmers into a disciplined insurgent vanguard.
Refusing to accept their status as feudal chattel, an army of over 60,000 commoners begins a historic march toward London. Their mission is not the overthrow of the young king, whom they believe has been misled by corrupt advisors, but the total eradication of serfdom, the repeal of repressive labor laws, and the execution of royal ministers—specifically Archbishop Simon Sudbury (Stephen Dillane) and Treasurer Sir Robert Hales (Tom Hollander).
Upon arriving at London Bridge, sympathetic urban artisans open the city gates. The capital is swiftly overwhelmed as the peasant forces capture the Tower of London and force a direct face-to-face summit with King Richard II at Mile End and Smithfield. What follows is a legendary collision between the entrenched arrogance of the medieval aristocracy and the unbreakable spirit of common working people demanding justice.
Key Thematic Pillars
- The Abolition of Serfdom: The moral demand that no human being should be legally bound to land as the property of a feudal lord.
- Economic Oppression & The Poll Tax: How an unfair flat-rate tax pushed an already suffering populace into open defiance.
- Grassroots Solidarity: The alliance between rural farm laborers, radical parish priests, and urban craftspeople.
- Greengrass's Realism: No choreographed glamour—unsparing, mud-and-blood historical authenticity.
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Where to Watch GuideThe Historical Story Behind The Uprising
1. Aftermath of the Black Death
The plague of 1348–49 wiped out nearly half of England's population. When surviving serfs demanded fair wages for their scarce labor, Parliament passed punitive wage freezes, creating generational fury.
2. The Unjust Poll Tax of 1380
To fund failing wars in France, the council of young Richard II imposed an aggressive flat tax of three groats per adult, demanding as much as a month's earnings from impoverished families.
3. The Great Rising of June 1381
Rebels led by Wat Tyler and radical priest John Ball marched on London, captured the Tower of London, and forced King Richard II to concede the legal abolition of serfdom.
Key Historical Timeline (Summer 1381)
Outbreak of Armed Defiance in Brentwood
Villagers led by Thomas Baker refuse to pay taxes or submit to interrogations by royal commissioner John de Bampton, killing crown bailiffs and sparking countywide insurrection.
Wat Tyler Elected Leader & Rochester Seized
Kentish rebels capture Rochester Castle and elect Wat Tyler as supreme commander; they liberate preacher John Ball from Maidstone gaol.
Sermon at Blackheath & Entry into London
John Ball preaches his equality sermon. London commoners lower the drawbridge at London Bridge, welcoming tens of thousands of rebels into the capital.
Storming of the Tower of London & Mile End Conference
Richard II meets rebels at Mile End and concedes the end of serfdom. Meanwhile, another rebel contingent enters the Tower of London, executing Sudbury and Hales.
The Uprising Cast & Characters
Andrew Garfield
Ploughman
The protagonist of the film: an English rural laborer and ploughman whose personal loss and defiance against feudal tax bailiffs transforms him into an unexpected leader of the 1381 rebellion.
Jamie Bell
John Ball
The radical Lollard priest and ideological firebrand whose famous sermon — "When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?" — provided the moral and philosophical foundation for the Peasants' Revolt.
Stephen Dillane
Archbishop Simon Sudbury
The Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor of England whose enforcement of the 1381 Poll Tax made him the prime target of the rebel commoners.
Tom Hollander
Sir Robert Hales (Treasurer)
The Grand Prior of the Knights Hospitaller and Lord High Treasurer of England, responsible for the crown's fiscal policies and ruthless tax collection apparatus.
Cosmo Jarvis
Wat Tyler
The charismatic and military-minded leader of the Kentish rebels who marched on Canterbury and London, negotiating directly with young King Richard II at Mile End and Smithfield.
Thomasin McKenzie
Role Announced in Production
A crucial commoner ally whose resilience and voice amplify the plight of rural working women during the 1381 uprising.
Jonny Lee Miller
Royal Council Lord
A senior aristocrat and counselor within King Richard II’s inner circle who advises ruthless military retaliation against the commoners.
Woody Norman
King Richard II (Young Monarch)
The fourteen-year-old King of England who famously confronted the rebel horde at Mile End and Smithfield, navigating the lethal factional politics of his council.
The Uprising Crew & Filmmakers
Paul Greengrass
Paul Greengrass is an Academy Award-nominated English filmmaker renowned for his visceral handheld camera technique, journalistic precision, and relentless dramatic pacing in modern cinematic masterpieces.
Jason Blum
Three-time Academy Award-nominated producer and founder/CEO of Blumhouse Productions, known for pioneering lean, filmmaker-driven cinematic storytelling.
Gregory Goodman
Prolific Hollywood producer who has partnered with Paul Greengrass on multiple acclaimed features, specializing in large-scale logistics and immersive realism.
Joanna Kaye
Experienced film producer and production executive with extensive experience overseeing international high-stakes drama and historical productions.
Lars Sylvest
European producer with deep background in historical drama, international co-productions, and period scale.
Joe Neurauter
Acclaimed independent and studio film producer focusing on prestige director-driven projects and complex international shoots.
Pål Ulvik Rokseth
Acclaimed Norwegian cinematographer known for breathtaking natural lighting, organic textures, and dynamic camera movement.
William Goldenberg, ACE
Academy Award-winning American film editor celebrated for masterclass pacing and tension building in world-class dramas.
Volker Bertelmann (Hauschka)
Academy Award and BAFTA-winning German composer and pianist known for inventive, visceral, and emotionally haunting soundscapes.
Nikolaj Danielsen
Award-winning European production designer specializing in meticulous historical accuracy, authentic period textures, and immersive medieval environments.
Daniel Hubbard, CDG / CSA
Emmy-winning and BAFTA-nominated British casting director renowned for discovering exceptional British and European ensembles.
Abhinav Singh
Accomplished casting professional working across international ensemble dramas and large-scale background talent coordination.
The Uprising Official Trailer
Trailer Breakdown & Visual Highlights
The official trailer opens with the haunting strings of Oscar winner Volker Bertelmann's score, sweeping over mist-laden Kentish fields before cutting into high-tension confrontations inside London’s city gates.
- Cinematography by Pål Ulvik Rokseth with natural candlelight and torchlight
- Key dialogue from Andrew Garfield's Ploughman rallying rural laborers
- The dramatic confrontation between Wat Tyler and King Richard II
The Uprising Release Date Schedule
Focus Features • Nationwide theatrical premiere across standard cinema screens and premium large format (PLF) auditoriums.
Universal Pictures UK / Focus Features • Simultaneous nationwide theatrical release across British and Irish cinema chains.
Universal Pictures Canada • Day-and-date theatrical rollout matching the US domestic release.
Universal Pictures Germany • Subject to localized European theatrical distribution schedules.
Universal Pictures International France • Standard Wednesday theatrical release cycle in French territories.
Universal Pictures Australasia • Thursday theatrical opening across Australia and New Zealand.
From Early Development to the Big Screen
The journey of bringing The Uprising to the cinema began in 2022 when Paul Greengrass completed deep archival research on the parliamentary rolls and chronicles of the 1381 revolt. Early trade commentary occasionally mentioned preliminary working titles such as The Hood or The Rage during initial development. We clarify that those working titles were preliminary project labels and have been officially superseded by The Uprising.
Principal photography occurred across rugged locations in the United Kingdom, utilizing authentic period architecture and constructed medieval villages to avoid sterile green-screen aesthetics.
Latest Movie News & Updates
Focus Features Confirms September 11, 2026 Theatrical Release for Paul Greengrass's The Uprising
Focus Features has officially announced September 11, 2026 as the U.S. domestic theatrical release date for Paul Greengrass's eagerly anticipated medieval epic The Uprising.
Star-Studded British & International Ensemble Confirmed for The Uprising (2026)
A powerhouse cast of award-winning British, American, and Commonwealth actors has been officially confirmed to join Andrew Garfield in Paul Greengrass's The Uprising.
Why Paul Greengrass Is the Ideal Filmmaker for The Uprising (2026)
An in-depth analysis of how director Paul Greengrass's celebrated filmography—from Bloody Sunday to United 93—informs his gritty, immersive approach to 14th-century British history.
History vs. Cinema: What’s Real in The Uprising?
| Subject | Documented Historical Fact (1381) | The Uprising Movie Adaptation |
|---|---|---|
| Main Protagonist Role | Historical chronicles document Wat Tyler, John Ball, and Jack Straw as central figureheads, but surviving primary sources leave many individual commoner names and local leaders unrecorded. | The film centers on a composite ploughman protagonist (Andrew Garfield) to provide a grounded, deeply human personal perspective into the grassroots collective movement. |
| Nature of the Rebel Gathering | The rebellion was not a chaotic mob of unorganized brutes, but an organized coalition of village constables, bailiffs, skilled craftsmen, and veteran soldiers with clear legal and constitutional objectives. | Paul Greengrass faithfully reflects this historical reality, portraying the army as disciplined, articulate, and strategically purposeful rather than mindless rioters. |
| Role of John Ball and Religion | John Ball was an itinerant Christian priest whose radical interpretations of scripture advocated class equality and condemned church wealth decades before the Protestant Reformation. | Depicted with intense spiritual conviction and moral authority by Jamie Bell, honoring the authentic philosophical speeches documented in contemporary texts. |
The Uprising Movie Reviews
Reviews Coming After Theatrical Release
In accordance with our strict editorial guidelines, we do not fabricate critic scores or generate fake audience reviews. Verified reviews from authoritative film critics and audience surveys will be aggregated following the September 11, 2026 premiere.
The Uprising Box Office Tracker
Box Office Data Added Post-Release
Opening weekend, domestic gross, international totals, and theater count will be updated continuously using verified industry reporting from Comscore and studio releases.
Where to Watch The Uprising Legally
In Theaters: Sept 11, 2026
Exclusive worldwide theatrical window distributed by Focus Features and Universal Pictures.
Awaiting Official Announcement
Premium digital purchase/rental availability will follow the theatrical run.
Not Yet Announced
Streaming platforms have not been officially confirmed. We do not speculate on unverified platforms.
The Uprising (2026) FAQs
What is The Uprising (2026) movie about?
The Uprising is an epic historical action drama set during the 1381 English Peasants' Revolt. It follows a courageous commoner (Andrew Garfield) who leads an army of laborers and villagers in an insurrection against the oppressive taxation and feudal tyranny of King Richard II's court.
When is The Uprising releasing in theaters?
The Uprising is officially scheduled for a nationwide domestic theatrical release on September 11, 2026 by Focus Features. International release dates across the UK and other territories will roll out concurrently in September 2026.
Who directed The Uprising?
The Uprising is directed by Academy Award-nominated British filmmaker Paul Greengrass, acclaimed for modern cinematic masterpieces such as United 93, The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, Captain Phillips, 22 July, and News of the World.
Who wrote the screenplay for The Uprising?
The screenplay for The Uprising was written by director Paul Greengrass, drawing extensively on historical records, parliamentary rolls, and medieval chronicles of the 1381 rebellion.
Who stars in The Uprising?
The film stars two-time Academy Award nominee Andrew Garfield in the lead role, alongside a powerhouse ensemble including Jamie Bell, Stephen Dillane, Tom Hollander, Cosmo Jarvis, Thomasin McKenzie, Jonny Lee Miller, Woody Norman, Katherine Waterston, Stanley Townsend, Sky Yang, and Jamie Maclachlan.
Who plays the lead character in The Uprising?
Andrew Garfield plays the lead character, a resilient English ploughman who becomes a principal voice and commander during the rebellion of 1381.
Is The Uprising based on a true story?
Yes. The Uprising is directly based on the real historical events of the English Peasants' Revolt (also known as the Great Rising) of June 1381, one of the most transformative popular rebellions in European history.
What historical event is The Uprising about?
The film depicts the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, in which tens of thousands of rural laborers from Essex and Kent marched on London to protest the brutal Poll Tax, demand the abolition of serfdom, and seek equal rights before the law.
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