Odenkirk’s "Normal" Shakes Up Action: A Wild West Surprise!

Thescreescore – Bob Odenkirk, known for his unexpected pivot to action in the acclaimed Nobody franchise, is set to redefine his cinematic persona once more with the upcoming R-rated thriller, Normal. Penned by genre architect Derek Kolstad, the creative force behind John Wick and Odenkirk’s own Nobody, this new venture promises a distinct narrative departure, moving away from the high-octane, relentless combat associated with its predecessors. Normal casts Odenkirk as Ulysses, a man reluctantly thrust into the role of sheriff in a quiet Minnesota town. His adjustment to this subdued existence is abruptly shattered when a botched bank heist inadvertently exposes a deep-seated conspiracy threatening the community’s very fabric.

During an exclusive interview with thescreescore.com at its SXSW media suite, writer-producer Derek Kolstad shed light on the film’s unique identity, particularly addressing early comparisons to his previous works. Kolstad meticulously differentiated Ulysses from Hutch Mansell, Odenkirk’s character in Nobody. He characterized Hutch as a protagonist driven by an intrinsic, almost addictive, craving for conflict, describing his need for violence as a profound hunger. In stark contrast, Ulysses embodies the archetype of an "old school Western" hero, whose inclination towards violence is minimal, reserved only as a final, desperate recourse. Kolstad even suggested Ulysses might "just walk away and do nothing" rather than engage in a fight.

Kolstad further elaborated on these Western inspirations, pointing to iconic Clint Eastwood films such as High Noon and Pale Rider. He recounted a pivotal scene from Pale Rider, where Eastwood’s preacher character, initially passive in the face of conflict, undergoes a subtle yet profound transformation by merely removing his clerical collar, signaling a dramatic shift in the narrative. This moment, Kolstad explained, encapsulates the essence of Ulysses’s character arc. The protagonist’s name itself, Ulysses, was Odenkirk’s brainchild, playfully derived from the historical figure Ulysses Grant’s less flattering nickname, "Useless." Kolstad emphasized his admiration for heroes who possess both unwavering will and profound empathy, qualities he believes resonate strongly within Odenkirk’s latest role.

The contemporary action landscape has undeniably been shaped by the phenomenal success of the John Wick franchise, spawning numerous imitators often dubbed "clones," from Chris Hemsworth’s Extraction series to Jalmari Helander’s Sisu. These films frequently showcase elaborate, actor-performed hand-to-hand combat and the trope of the lone, unstoppable force. Within this context, the Nobody films, while celebrated, positioned Hutch Mansell as a character actively seeking and thriving on violence. The first film’s memorable bus sequence famously depicted his internal plea for conflict, while its 2025 sequel explored the strain his eagerness for action placed on his family life, often at the expense of domestic tranquility.

This Western-centric approach marks a compelling shift for both Kolstad and Odenkirk. While initial marketing for Normal still hints at the visceral, meticulously choreographed hand-to-hand combat popularized by 87North Productions, Kolstad’s insights reveal a crucial distinction: Odenkirk’s Ulysses is portrayed as far more hesitant to engage in brutality. His character’s journey is one where curiosity might lead him into dangerous situations, but his fundamental nature resists immediate aggression, offering a nuanced portrayal rarely seen in modern action heroes.

The strategic pivot towards a Western influence appears to be yielding positive results for Odenkirk and Kolstad. Normal has garnered largely favorable critical reviews, currently boasting an impressive 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, placing it squarely alongside the critical success of the Nobody movies. In a crowded theatrical landscape, contending with blockbusters like Lee Cronin’s The Mummy and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Normal‘s distinctive niche and more grounded narrative stakes could prove advantageous, positioning it as a potential sleeper hit at the box office.

Slated for release on April 17, 2026, Normal runs for a taut 90 minutes. The film is directed by Ben Wheatley, with the screenplay co-written by Derek Kolstad and Bob Odenkirk. Odenkirk, Kolstad, and Marc Provissiero serve as producers. Distributed by WME Independent, this thriller centers on Ulysses’s reluctant assumption of the sheriff’s mantle and his subsequent unraveling of a criminal conspiracy.