Screen Rant is thrilled to exclusively present a clip from The Avenue's newest film, Medieval, which arrives in theaters on September 9. Directed by Czech actor and producer Petr Jákl, who also wrote the screenplay, the film is inspired by the life and times of Jan Žižka. Known as one of history's greatest warriors, Žižka was a Bohemian military leader who has become a hero to the Czech people. Despite losing his eye (and eventually eyes), he led his forces victoriously through three crusades in the Hussite Wars.
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In Medieval, Ben Foster plays a younger version of Žižka, as the film takes place before the wars and follows his journey to becoming a powerful military commander. After the Holy Roman Empire loses its head of state, two rulers who happen to be brothers are left vying for the throne: King Wenceslas of Czech and King Sigismund of Hungary. In order to deter Lord Rosenberg, one of King Sigismund's corrupt associates, Lord Boresh (Michael Caine) kidnaps his fiancee, Lady Katherine (Sophie Lowe). The only problem is that he hires Jan for the task, who promptly falls in love with her and her goodness.
In Screen Rant's exclusive clip from Medieval, audiences can bear witness to the court squabbles that the two sibling Kings (played by Matthew Goode and Karel Roden) engage in with Lord Rosenberg (played by Til Schweiger). The tension between them is palpable, and only a grand entrance by Lord Boresh himself can quell the raging animosity for now. Check out the full clip below:
At its core, Medieval is a tale about morality, as it is largely Jan's internal righteousness that paves his path in the future. While he begins the film firmly believing that a King is akin to God, and thus their word is law, his interactions with Katherine change his view over the course of the film. How his growing love for her, and thus his understanding of her desires to serve the people rather than the kingdom, affect his actions has yet to be been. But one thing is certain: his choices will decide the fate of the Holy Roman Emperor.
The Avenue is the recently-launched US distribution arm of Highland Film Group, and has already released several exciting films since it was founded. In 2020, they distributed the Nicolas Cage martial arts sci-fi film Jiu Jitsu. 2021 saw them join forces with Paramount to release The Misfits, starring Pierce Brosnan. This year has already brought time travel romance film Press Play and will soon see the premiere of One True Loves, starring Phillipa Soo, Simu Liu. Medieval has a runtime of 126 minutes and is rated R for strong and grisly violent content throughout, as well as some nudity.
Medieval arrives in theaters on September 9.