Thescreescore – In a swift pivot following a surprisingly muted theatrical run, Andrew Garfield’s historical action-thriller, The Uprising, is poised for an early digital debut. Universal Pictures has announced that the film, which delves into England’s tumultuous 1381 Peasants’ Revolt, will be available on digital platforms starting September 29. This rapid transition comes less than three weeks after its September 10 cinematic premiere, a period marked by an unprecedented box office struggle for the acclaimed actor.
Garfield, known for his diverse roles from Spider-Man to Oscar-nominated dramas, faced an unexpected commercial hurdle with The Uprising. The film’s opening weekend garnered a mere $3.31 million domestically, registering the lowest wide-release debut of his career prior to 2026. This initial performance set the tone for its continued struggle, with domestic earnings currently hovering at $6.46 million and a global tally of $7.76 million. Against a reported production budget of $20 million, the film is far from breaking even, signaling a significant financial disappointment for its studio.
The decision to fast-track The Uprising to digital, bypassing the traditional longer theatrical window, offers a lifeline for the ambitious historical epic. Available for purchase without ads or subscription requirements, this digital release precedes its physical media launch on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD, scheduled for November 3. Audiences who opt for the digital version through participating retailers will also gain access to exclusive bonus features, including deleted scenes featuring Garfield’s character, Ploughman, and behind-the-scenes insights into the authentic casting process and the meticulous recreation of 14th-century England.
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Despite its commercial woes, critical reception for The Uprising has been a mixed bag, with a 55% critics’ score and a 64% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, thescreescore.com offered a glowing review, awarding the film an impressive eight out of ten stars. Reviewer Brandon Zachary lauded it as a "cinematic epic" and a "heartbreaking story," praising its ability to explore humanity’s best and worst qualities through a historical lens. Zachary particularly highlighted Garfield’s compelling performance and the film’s unexpected contemporary resonance, despite its 1381 setting.
Adding to the film’s pre-release challenges was a peculiar marketing misstep. Weeks before its theatrical debut, promotional material on X (formerly Twitter) introduced the tagline "The Rise of Robin Hood" and an updated synopsis suggesting the Peasants’ Revolt "helped inspire the legend of Robin Hood." This sudden narrative shift, which had no prior mention in the film’s marketing, sparked considerable confusion among potential viewers and critics alike.
The Uprising boasts a formidable creative team and an impressive ensemble cast. Directed and written by the acclaimed Paul Greengrass, known for his gritty, realistic thrillers like The Bourne Supremacy and Captain Phillips, the film benefits from his distinctive vision. Andrew Garfield leads as Ploughman, an ordinary farmer thrust into the revolutionary spotlight, supported by a stellar cast including Cosmo Jarvis as Wat Tyler, Jamie Bell as John Ball, Woody Norman as King Richard II, Katherine Waterston as Joan of Kent, and Stephen Dillane as Simon Sudbury. The film was also produced by a robust team including industry heavyweights like Jason Blum and Gregory Goodman.
With its digital release, The Uprising now has a crucial opportunity for a fresh start, potentially reaching a wider audience that may have overlooked its theatrical run. The inclusion of enticing bonus features further sweetens the deal, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the intricate world Greengrass and his team meticulously crafted. It remains to be seen if this digital resurgence can rescue The Uprising from its box office fate and allow it to find the appreciative audience its artistic merits may deserve.
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