How to Make a Killing (2026)

How to Make a Killing (2026)
Director: John Patton Ford
Writer: John Patton Ford
Based on: Kind Hearts and Coronets by Robert Hamer and John Dighton
Status: Post-Production / Marketing Phase
Release Date: February 20, 2026 (USA) Studio: A24 / StudioCanal

What is How to Make a Killing?

How to Make a Killing is the highly anticipated dark comedy-thriller starring Glen Powell, set to be one of the first major cinematic events of 2026. Written and directed by John Patton Ford (best known for the Independent Spirit Award-winning Emily the Criminal), the film is a modern, satirical reimagining of the 1949 British classic Kind Hearts and Coronets.

Formerly titled Huntington (and Rothchild in earlier development stages), the film re-teams Powell with a high-stakes narrative that blends the “eat the rich” social satire of Knives Out with the cold-blooded ambition of The Talented Mr. Ripley. It positions Powell not as the traditional heroic leading man he played in Top Gun: Maverick or Twisters, but as a charming, ruthless anti-hero willing to prune his own family tree to secure his future.

The first trailer, released on November 25, 2025, confirmed the film’s sharp, acerbic tone, promising a “raucous revenge thriller” filled with zingy banter, lavish set pieces, and a body count that rises in direct proportion to the protagonist’s bank account.

The Plot: Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow

The story centers on Becket Redfellow (Glen Powell), a blue-collar outcast who has been disowned at birth by his obscenely wealthy family, the Redfellows. Despite his estrangement, Becket believes he is the rightful heir to the family’s dynastic fortune—a staggering $28 billion.

There is just one problem: Seven relatives stand in his line of succession.

Rather than waiting for nature to take its course, Becket decides to accelerate the process. Spurred on by a reunion with a childhood friend and accomplice (Margaret Qualley), he hatches a meticulous and increasingly unhinged plan to eliminate every single relative blocking his path to the billions.

As the official synopsis teases:

“Disowned at birth by his obscenely wealthy family, blue-collar Becket Redfellow will stop at nothing to reclaim his inheritance, no matter how many relatives stand in his way.”

The film is expected to follow Becket’s ascent (or descent) as he picks off his eccentric, terrible, and wealthy family members one by one, all while dodging the suspicion of the authorities and navigating the treacherous politics of the elite world he so desperately wants to join.

Cast & Characters

The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, essential for a story that relies on a gallery of colorful victims and intricate social maneuvering.

Glen Powell as Becket Redfellow: The charming protagonist/villain. This role marks a significant shift for Powell, allowing him to weaponize his natural charisma for a darker, more manipulative character. In the trailer, he chillingly notes, “If I were to prune a few branches of the family tree…”

Margaret Qualley: Playing the female lead (possibly named Julia), Qualley appears to be the Lady Macbeth to Powell’s Macbeth—or at least the catalyst who lights the fuse. In the trailer, she jokes that Becket should “call me when you’ve killed them all,” a suggestion Becket takes literally.

Ed Harris: The legendary actor plays a pivotal role, likely the formidable patriarch of the Redfellow clan or the most difficult “boss fight” in Becket’s murderous quest. (Note: Early casting data oddly listed a “Cassandra Redfellow” next to his name, likely a placeholder or misinformation; expect Harris to play a powerful, intimidating male figure within the dynasty).

Jessica Henwick: Cast as Ruth, potentially a family member or an external observer who complicates Becket’s plans.

Topher Grace: Known for playing grating or arrogant characters (Black Mirror, Spider-Man 3), Grace is perfectly cast as one of the “rich pricks” Becket targets.

Zach Woods: The Silicon Valley alum likely brings his signature awkward, deadpan humor to one of the eccentric Redfellow relatives.

Bill Camp: A heavyweight character actor (The Queen’s Gambit, Joker), Camp adds gravitas, possibly as a law enforcement officer tracking the sudden spike in Redfellow mortality rates or a suspicious family attorney.

Raff Law: Jude Law’s son, rounding out the younger generation of the dynasty.

Production Notes & Development History

The “Black List” Legacy The script for How to Make a Killing has been circulating in Hollywood for over a decade. Originally titled Rothchild, it landed on the famous Black List (a survey of the most liked unproduced screenplays) back in 2014. At various points, the project attracted talent like Shia LaBeouf and Mel Gibson, but it languished in development hell until John Patton Ford revitalized it.

Filming Principal photography took place in Cape Town, South Africa, which doubled for the film’s lavish, indeterminate setting of high wealth (likely standing in for parts of the US or Europe). Production began in mid-2024, following Powell’s wrap on The Running Man.

The Kind Hearts Connection The film is an open homage to Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), the Ealing Studios comedy where Alec Guinness famously played eight different members of the D’Ascoyne family. While it is unconfirmed if any actor in How to Make a Killing will pull a similar multi-role stunt (Ed Harris or Powell himself, perhaps?), the DNA of the story—sophisticated murder among the upper crust—remains identical.

Quotes: What They’re Saying

Glen Powell on the Project: In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter just prior to the title reveal, Powell expressed his absolute confidence in the director:

“The movie is fantastic, and John Patton Ford is a great filmmaker. I can’t wait for people to see it. It’s a raucous revenge thriller… it skews darker than the original caper classic but leans into witty and zingy banter.”

The Trailer Dialogue: The first footage (released Nov 25, 2025) gave us our first taste of Becket’s voiceover narration, which sets the film’s cynical worldview:

“There were seven of them—seven rich pricks between myself and $28 billion.”

Critics & Buzz: Early reactions to the trailer have been electric, with outlets like Collider and Screen Rant highlighting the “darkly inventive” premise. Comparisons are already being drawn to Saltburn and The Menu, positioning the film as a satire that arrives at the perfect cultural moment for stories about class warfare and dynastic greed.

Why It Matters (The “A24 Factor”)

The partnership between Glen Powell and A24 is significant. Powell has spent the last few years cementing his status as a “popcorn movie” superstar (Top Gun, Anyone But You, Twisters). By pivoting to an A24 production, he is signaling a desire for “prestige” credibility and darker, more complex material.

For A24, landing a star of Powell’s current magnitude—right at the peak of his fame—guarantees that How to Make a Killing will be one of their widest and most commercially viable releases of the year.

Release Information

Theatrical Release: February 20, 2026.

Competition: The film is slated to open against 20th Century Studios’ horror film Psycho Killer and the faith-based drama I Can Only Imagine 2. Given the buzz, How to Make a Killing is expected to dominate the weekend.