Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2 Set for November Limited Release
J uror #2, a thriller from the master filmmaker Clint Eastwood, will arrive in select theaters across the country on November 1, 2024. But the movie will make its highly anticipated world premiere as the closing-night title of the 38th AFI FEST. At 94 years old, Eastwood is still one of cinema's greatest storytellers, and his new film is sure to further cement his legacy.
The juror is Nicholas Hoult, who plays the lead as a family man caught in a high-stakes moral conflict while rendering his verdict on a famous murder trial. As Hoult's character undergoes the trial, he faces a heavy ethical dilemma that could determine whether he wrongly becomes convicted or frees a person from acquittal. The film boasts a fantastic ensemble cast, including Toni Collette, J.K. Simmons, Chris Messina, Gabriel Basso, Zoey Deutch, Cedric Yarbrough, Leslie Bibb, and Kiefer Sutherland, bringing depth to this complex story.
The film will screen at AFI Fest, running October 23-27, 2024, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, paying tribute to Eastwood's storied career. Known for celebrating significant contributions to cinematic arts, the AFI Fest presents a film that aligns perfectly with its mission: Eastwood's effort, directed from a script by Jonathan Abrams. By selecting Juror #2 as its closing-night feature, directed by Clint Eastwood, the festival highlights Eastwood's important contributions to film and their lasting impact on the industry.
"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, president and CEO of AFI. "We are honored to bring the community together once again — artists and audiences — to celebrate an American icon."
Given Eastwood's history with AFI Fest, including films like American Sniper and Richard Jewell, speculation has begun about whether Juror #2 might be an awards contender. Sources suggest, however, that the focus was more on acknowledging Eastwood's remarkable career than positioning this film for awards.
Warner Bros. is Eastwood's longtime producer, typically releasing his films nationwide when ready. So far, the movie is scheduled for a limited release, and it's too early to commit to broader distribution, fitting the studio's strategy for Eastwood's recent works, which have often been measured rolls.
In addition to directing, Eastwood co-produced Juror #2 with Tim Moore, Jessica Meier, Adam Goodman, and Matt Skiena. David M. Bernstein, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, and Jeremy Bell serve as executive producers. Together, they have invested significant effort into the film, creating a work that epitomizes Eastwood's unique storytelling style.
Eastwood's association with AFI is not new; he received an AFI Life Achievement Award in 1996 and an honorary degree in 2009 for his contributions to the nation's artistic heritage. Both achievements testify to the esteem and respect he has garnered from peers in the profession.
As fans and critics await the November release of the film, Juror #2 is set to further cement Eastwood's legendary status and legacy. Whether this will be his last film remains uncertain, as Eastwood has not publicly announced future plans. The film's release at AFI Fest continues to preserve Eastwood's legacy while keeping him relevant in the world of cinema.
