Andrew Garfield stars as a farmer named Ploughman in Paul Greengrass's upcoming film The Uprising. The movie depicts the 1381 Peasants Revolt against King Richard II, framing the historical event as a precursor to the Robin Hood legend.
The 1381 Peasants Revolt and King Richard II
In The Uprising, director Paul Greengrass focuses on the real-life Peasants Revolt of 1381, where everyday citizens, soldiers, and farmers rose up against the ruling class. According to the report, the conflict was sparked by high taxes and systemic abuses perpetrated by King Richard II and his administration. Greengrass describes the historical narrative as "eerily contemporary," suggesting that the themes of social justice and resistance mirror current global societal tensions.
By centering the story on this specific uprising,Focus Features aims to provide more than a standard history lesson. Greengrass intends for the film to be a cinematic spectacle that leaves audiences emotionally fulfilled while prompting them to reflect on the state of the modern world. The film positions the 1381 revolt not just as a footnote in English history, but as the visceral origin point for the archetypal outlaw figures that would eventually inspire the legend of Robin Hood.
Ploughman's mask and the Spider-Man connection
Andrew Garfield portrays the character of Ploughman, an ordinary man who evolves into a heroic figure during the revolution.. As reported by PauseRewind, Garfield noted a striking parallel between this role and his time as Spider-Man, specifically during a scene where Ploughman dons a mask and hood. Garfield admitted to being initially resistant to this costume choice, attributing his hesitation to a sense of "PTSD" from his previous experience playing a masked superhero.
Garfield describes the script for The Uprising as something that "wounded" him in a necessary way, reflecting a universal desire to restore human dignity and a sense of belonging. The actor views Ploughman's struggle as a representation of a global feeling of being "squeezed" by power structures to the point of breaking. This emotional resonance served as the primary motivation for Garfield to join the Focus Features project.
Wat Tyler, John Ball, and the 'collective rage' of Alyce
The ensemble cast includes Jamie Bell as John Ball and Cosmo Jarvis as Wat Tyler, two historical figures who Greengrass claims emerged from obscurity to leave a permanent mark on history. Greengrass was specifically drawn to the brevity and intensity of Wat Tyler's prominence, noting that Tyler appeared at the center of history for only a few days before disappearing again.
Adding a fictionalized perspective to the historical events, Thomasin McKenzie stars as Alyce. While Alyce is not a specific historical figure, she represents the many women who participated in the 1381 revolution. mcKenzie stated that the role allowed her to express a "collective rage and distrust of leadership," urging viewers to question the narratives they are told by those in power.
The 2026 release and Focus Features' rollout plan
While the source material includes a 2026 copyright date, sevral key details regarding the theatrical rollout remain unconfirmed.. It is currently unknown exactly when The Uprising will premiere in cinemas or if Focus Features plans a simultaneous streaming release. Furthermore, the report does not specify how much of the film's narrative will adhere strictly to the historical record of the 1381 revolt versus the fictionalized journeys of Ploughman and Alyce.
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