English film director, producer, screenwriter and former journalist
Focus Features’ marketing for The Uprising has shifted from a Peasants’ Revolt focus to a Robin Hood angle in the US, while the UK campaign emphasizes the revolt narrative. The discrepancy raises questions about the film’s identity and messaging as audiences await its release.
At TIFF 2026, studios are bypassing fall festivals while markets expand. Major releases skip screenings, while the market and Red Sea Fund-backed projects push Toronto as a hub for sales and international partnerships. TIFF’s evolving role mirrors a broader shift in how studios reach audiences and win awards amid a crowded fall slate.
The Guardian and Independent reviews converge on Greengrass’s The Uprising (aka The Rise of Robin Hood), arguing the film’s attempt to parallel 14th‑century revolt with today’s politics falls short, while Garfield’s Ploughman amid a muddy epic fails to ignite. Focus Features releases the US version on Sept 11.
Box-office results show film reboots and sequels are drawing big crowds, led by Practical Magic 2 and a wave of retro IP. Critics debate whether nostalgia or social-media dynamics power these trends as audiences seek simpler, pre-digital worlds.