Andrew Garfield’s first look in The Uprising instantly places the historical epic as one of 2026’s most promising movies. The drama is directed by Paul Greengrass, who revisits the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt with sweeping visuals, realism, and a palpable sense of scale. Just from the teaser, Garfield seems perfectly cast to bear the emotional weight of the story, and Greengrass' trademark film-making style gives the period drama the weight and intensity it needs to stand out. 

The teaser also offers plenty of reasons to be optimistic about what Garfield and Greengrass are bringing to the screen 

The first teaser for The Uprising is here, and it finally gives us a proper glimpse of Andrew Garfield in Paul Greengrass' ambitious historical epic. The trailer features sweeping battle sequences, emotionally charged performances, and Greengrass’ signature grounded film-making, all set against the backdrop of the a tumultuous time. It does not tell us much about the overall story, but the footage does show that the film is trying to mix the massive historical spectacle with the intimate character-driven drama. 

The teaser further suggests that Greengrass is doubling down on the raw realism that has come to define films like United 93, Captain Phillips, and Bloody Sunday. The Uprising does not actually glorify medieval England as a spectacular event. Rather, it seems to reflect the harshness of life during that period, which was characterized by heavy taxation and political oppression, leading to a revolt. The scenes capture moments of great desperation and urgency in preparation for a historical drama that values emotion over aesthetics.

Meanwhile, Andrew Garfield seems well cast as Wat Tyler, the farmer who turns rebel and leads a revolt against King Richard II. The teaser favors quiet resolve over fiery heroics, letting Garfield’s understated screen presence carry the role. His performance of emotionally layered characters in historical dramas such as Hacksaw Ridge and Silence makes him a natural fit for another morally complex protagonist. Greengrass’ immersive direction, coupled with the performance, already feels poised to anchor the film’s emotional and historical heft. 

Never Seen Before Video of Andrew Garfield Getting Emotional After Spider-Man Casting

The teaser also hints at the powerful true story that forms the foundation of the film. 

The Uprising plot revolves around 1381 in England, at the time of the Peasants’ Revolt, and follows humble farmer, Wat Tyler. Tyler is an unlikely leader of a growing rebellion against King Richard II after the Black Death. He is the poster child for one of the most celebrated popular uprisings in medieval English history, thanks to his journey. 

It is set in a time of plague and economic hardship, and is about people living in a time of heavy taxes and injustice. Rising civil unrest across England prompts Tyler to rebel against the monarchy. As they march to London, they march for freedom, they march for justice. 

The Uprising looks set to be more than just a big old medieval spectacle from the first teaser. Paul Greengrass appears to be making a gritty, character-driven story of resistance, leadership, and survival, with Andrew Garfield providing a stoic performance as Tyler. The trailer is just a taste of the film, but it does a good job of building confidence that this could be one of 2026’s more compelling historical dramas if it can sustain the same measure of scale and humanity. If the full film lives up to its first trailer, The Uprising could emerge as one of the year's most memorable historical epics.

Amazon Dumps a Near Complete Sam Altman Movie Starring Andrew Garfield, Now Up for Grabs in Market

Could The Uprising become Andrew Garfield's next great historical drama? Let us know in the comment section.