The upcoming film How to Make a Killing hits theatres on February 20, 2026, and the trailer reveals its sharp focus on how to make a killing movie in more ways than one. The new dark comedy-thriller from A24 and StudioCanal stars Glen Powell as Becket Redfellow, a disowned heir who sets out to eliminate his wealthy relatives to claim the family fortune.
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Latest updates at a glance:
- Director‐writer John Patton Ford (previously of Emily the Criminal) is behind the film.
- The cast includes Margaret Qualley, Jessica Henwick, Bill Camp, Topher Grace, Zach Woods, and Ed Harris.
- A24 released the first trailer on November 25, 2025, showcasing a stylish, sinister tone and the ambitious premise.
- The script takes inspiration from the 1949 British dark comedy Kind Hearts & Coronets and centers on inheritance-fuelled murder.
- U.S. theatrical release is officially set for February 20 2026.
Plot & Premise
In this iteration of how to make a killing movie, Becket Redfellow, born outside his clan of billionaires, plans to reclaim his birthright—by any means necessary. From the trailer, the setup is clear: disowned at birth, Beckett returns with a calculated agenda and an eye for deadly opportunity. The narrative sees him methodically targeting family members who stand between him and his inheritance. The tone blends dark comedy with a thriller edge, rather than leaning strictly one way.
Cast & Production Insights
- Glen Powell plays the lead role of Beckett Redfellow.
- Margaret Qualley, Jessica Henwick, Bill Camp, Zach Woods, Topher Grace and Ed Harris round out the ensemble.
- John Patton Ford writes and directs, marking a step up from his indie origins.
- The film’s screenplay dates back years — earlier incarnations under different titles existed — but it now has the full backing of A24 and StudioCanal.
- Shooting reportedly took place in Cape Town, South Africa, giving the film an elegant production environment though its story is set in the U.S.-style realm of extreme wealth and entitlement.
Trailer & Marketing
A new trailer emphasizes how to make a killing movie in a literal sense: Becket must dispatch his family to unlock the fortune waiting for him. It opens with sleek visuals, a modernist office, and Beckett in a crisp suit — sharply contrasting with the violence he intends to unleash. The promotional materials lean into “eat-the-rich” satire, combining humor with tension rather than pure horror. The trailer’s public drop on November 25, 2025, kick-started social media buzz, with fans praising the tone and Powell’s departure into unhinged territory.
Release Strategy & Audience Expectations
For U.S. audiences, the February 20 2026 date positions the film outside of the crowded holiday season and ahead of the spring blockbuster rush. This could allow it to stand out as a stylish thriller-comedy alternative. Marketing seems to target viewers interested in morally ambiguous stories, upscale production design, and smart castings. Given the narrative’s focus on extreme wealth, family betrayal, and killing for inheritance, viewers can expect a blend of tension, wit, and commentary on high society.
Key Questions for Viewers
- Will the film skew more comedic or more murderous? Early materials suggest a balanced hybrid.
- How will U.S. audiences respond to its satire of super-rich elites? The premise plays to current cultural critiques.
- Could this film become a breakout for Powell or Ford? The talent behind it and the production backing suggest the aspirations are high.
- How dark will it go? The trailer indicates murder is central to how to make a killing movie — viewers should expect sharp edges.
Why This One Matters
- It reinvents the question of how to make a killing movie by embedding murder and strategy into the narrative.
- Glen Powell shifts away from lighter fare into a morally complicated protagonist.
- Director John Patton Ford moves into bigger production territory, backed by a major outfit like A24.
- The subject of extreme inheritance drama and familial betrayal is primed for U.S. viewing culture currently fascinated with wealth disparity.
Timeline at a Glance
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| First trailer released | November 25, 2025 |
| U.S. theatrical release | February 20, 2026 |
| Official title change noted | Late 2025 |
In short, how to make a killing movie finds its most literal expression in How to Make a Killing. With its sharp cast, polished production, and twist-driven premise, it has the components to capture audience attention early in 2026. If the tone and marketing hit right, this could emerge as one of the more interesting thrillers in that year’s first quarter.