Martin Scorsese’s highly anticipated film, Killers of the Flower Moon, is on the horizon, marking the
director’s first foray into the Western genre. Based on David Grann’s crime book of the same name, the
film promises an epic adaptation of the chilling true story behind the Osage Murders and the birth of the
FBI.
Martin Scorsese is renowned for his masterful creations that have left an indelible mark on modern
cinema. With a repertoire that includes Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Cape Fear, Casino, and The
Irishman, his venture into the Western genre with Killers of the Flower Moon is an exciting new chapter in
his illustrious career.
As the film gears up for release, here’s everything we know about this highly anticipated movie.
Killers of the Flower Moon Release date
Killers of the Flower Moon is set to hit theaters on October 20, 2023, followed by its release on Apple
TV+ at a later date, which is yet to be specified. The movie, produced by Paramount Pictures and Apple
TV, will have its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20. It will then have a limited
theatrical release on October 6 before a wider release later in the month.
The production of the film initially faced delays, as it was originally planned to begin in Oklahoma in early
2018. However, Martin Scorsese was occupied with the production of his previous film, The Irishman,
during that time. Subsequently, the global shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic further
postponed the project.
Principal photography finally commenced in April 2021 in Osage County and Washington County. The
filming continued until October of that year, although some additional scenes were shot in May 2022.
These filming locations are significant as they are linked to the true events and setting of the story, as
depicted in David Grann’s book.
The Cast And Crew
In Killers of the Flower Moon, Martin Scorsese reunites with his longtime collaborators Leonardo
DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, who portray Ernest Burkhart and William Hale, respectively. The film
features an impressive ensemble cast, including:
Lily Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart
Jesse Plemons as Tom White
Tantoo Cardinal as Lizzie Q
John Lithgow as Prosecutor Leaward
Brendan Fraser as W.S. Hamilton
Jason Isbell as Bill Smith
Sturgill Simpson as Henry Grammer
Tatanka Means as John Wren
Cara Jade Myers as Anna Kyle Brown
Notably, Killers of the Flower Moon marks the 10th collaboration between Scorsese and De Niro, as well
as the sixth collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio. When questioned about the delay in bringing
these acting powerhouses together, Scorsese explained that they had discussed the project with De Niro
previously, but he initially declined to participate.
Is There Any Trailer available of Killers of the Flower Moon?
On July 5, 2023, a Killers of the Flower Moon official trailer was published. Examine it below:
The trailer for Killers of the Flower Moon offers a captivating glimpse into the film, featuring stunning
cinematography that transports viewers to 1920s America. It establishes a sense of impending doom,
which holds particular significance for those familiar with the story.
The trailer includes a poignant line from Ernest Burkhart, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, as he reads
from a children’s book, saying, “There are many, so many hungry wolves – can you find the wolves in this
picture?” This narration is layered over quick flashes of scenes from the movie, providing a tantalizing
preview of the gripping narrative. Killers of the Flower Moon is based on a true story that delves into
themes of greed, murder, and the deep-rooted racism against Native Americans that is intertwined with
US history.
The Plot
Killers of the Flower Moon is based on a true story and revolves around the following synopsis: At the
turn of the 20th century, the discovery of oil brought immense wealth to the Osage Nation, making them
some of the richest people in the world practically overnight. However, the newfound prosperity attracted
the attention of unscrupulous white individuals who sought to exploit, extort, and embezzle the Osage
wealth. As their greed grew, these interlopers resorted to unimaginable acts of murder.
The film presents the narrative through the lens of the unlikely romance between Ernest Burkhart and
Mollie Kyle. It is described as an epic western crime saga, where genuine love intersects with unspeakable
betrayal. Co-written by Eric Roth and Martin Scorsese, the script aims to deliver a powerful and enduring
cinematic experience.
Eric Roth expressed his belief that Killers of the Flower Moon has the potential to be a truly exceptional
film, stating that he expects it to be “one for the ages.” He holds the conviction that the story, combined
with Scorsese’s directorial prowess, possesses all the essential elements to create a truly remarkable and
significant movie.