Glen Powell was in New York doing press for “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022) when he received a script titled “How to Make a Killing.” The premise immediately intrigued him: a financial advisor drawn into corporate murder conspiracy that spirals beyond his control. Powell told producers: “I want to do a thriller that feels genuinely dangerous, not superhero consequence-free action.”
That commitment shaped How to Make A Killing, A24 and StudioCanal’s upcoming thriller premiering through A24’s theatrical distribution.
Thriller Premise
How to Make A Killing Glen Powell follows David Martinez, a morally flexible financial advisor manipulated into orchestrating corporate murder that appears as suicide. As the conspiracy unravels, Powell’s character realizes he’s been positioned as patsy—the fall guy absorbing consequences while genuine conspirators escape.
The film deliberately builds tension through information asymmetry. Viewers understand David is being manipulated before he does. That creates sustained dread watching him navigate traps he doesn’t recognize, different from typical thrillers where protagonist and audience discover danger simultaneously.
A24 Partnership
A24’s involvement signals sophisticated, character-driven thriller rather than conventional plot-focused action film. The distributor built reputation supporting unique visions from directors like Ari Aster (“Midsommar,” 2019), Alex Garland (“Ex Machina,” 2014), and Robert Eggers (“The Lighthouse,” 2019).
How to Make A Killing represents A24’s continued expansion into mainstream thrillers. Previous A24 thrillers (“Climax,” “Under the Skin,” “Locke”) prioritized artistic vision over commercial calculation. Powell’s casting suggests the studio is attempting to reach broader audiences while maintaining creative integrity.
StudioCanal’s involvement indicates European production support—common for prestige thrillers. The distributor previously backed films like “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (2017) and “Paddington 2” (2017), demonstrating capability bridging art-house sensibilities with commercial viability.
Directing Vision
Director Rea Selznick makes her feature directorial debut with How to Make A Killing. Selznick previously directed acclaimed television (“Rectify,” “Bloodline”), suggesting strong character development and sustained tension expertise. Her transition to features represents significant creative step.
Selznick reportedly instructed Powell to play David without obvious heroic qualities. Rather than sympathetic everyman, David is amoral and selfish—making his predicament less about justice and more about consequences catching up with an ethically compromised man.
This approach distinguishes How to Make A Killing from typical thrillers where protagonists deserve audience support. By making David morally questionable, the film explores whether audience continues rooting for him once his true nature reveals.
Trailer Revelation
The newly released trailer reveals How to Make A Killing employs unreliable narrator structure. David’s perspective dominates—but flashbacks suggest information he doesn’t fully understand. Dialogue implies he’s being manipulated without his complete comprehension.
One trailer moment shows David telling investigators: “I didn’t kill anyone.” Cut to scene of him clearly facilitating murder. That immediate contradiction establishes the thriller’s central tension—David denying responsibility for crimes he clearly enabled.
The trailer also shows Powell experiencing genuine fear—different from his typical charming, confident persona. Casting directors deliberately chose Powell specifically because he’s known for charisma; showing him vulnerable and terrified creates unexpected vulnerability.
Release Strategy
A24 scheduled How to Make A Killing for November 28, 2025 theatrical release—positioned to capture sophisticated adult audiences seeking intelligent thrillers rather than holiday family content. The timing suggests confidence in the material despite limited commercial A24 profile compared to major studios.
Box office projections estimate $25-40 million domestic theatrical run, with strong international potential through StudioCanal’s distribution network. The film targets audiences who enjoyed “Knives Out” (2019) and similar character-driven mysteries.
Glen Powell’s Evolution
How to Make A Killing Glen Powell represents his deliberate pivot toward serious dramatic roles beyond “Top Gun: Maverick” success. Powell has consistently sought character-driven projects (“Devotion,” “Hidden Figures”) balanced against blockbuster opportunities.
This thriller allows Powell to demonstrate range beyond charm and action heroics. Playing ethically compromised character requires different performance skillset—vulnerability, moral ambiguity, and psychological deterioration rather than typical heroic resourcefulness.
If successful, How to Make A Killing could establish Powell as capable serious actor alongside his blockbuster brand. That career diversification ensures longevity beyond physical charisma aging.
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