Sometimes life takes a sharp turn because of one small choice: A moment of pressure, a hint of ambition, or a chance that feels too good to ignore. Those are the moments that push people into messy, funny, and surprisingly honest situations, where doing the right thing is not always the go-to way. John Patton Ford has always been drawn to these flawed, very real human decisions. After making an impression with his character-led debut, he is back with How to Make a Killing, a black comedy that dives into everyday people facing anything but everyday problems.

The effort, a short while ago, dropped its first trailer, inviting focus on its release date, cast, plot, and more, offering a lot to unpack.

John Patton Ford’s upcoming black comedy How to Make a Killing is set to arrive in theatres on February 20, 2026. The film marks Ford’s return to the director’s chair following his breakout thriller Emily the Criminal. Just a week before its release, though, on February 13, a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi comes out. Then, the horror sequel Scream 7 is slated to hit theatres on February 27. The film's release, scheduled in such a crowded window, shows the makers’ faith in their creation, and the cast of the title could have something to do with it.

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Two of Hollywood’s most in-demand talents lead the film, strengthening both its comedic and dramatic edge.

The film brings together a striking ensemble led by Glen Powell, who plays Becket Redfellow, the sidelined heir of a powerful family. He is joined by Margaret Qualley, Jessica Henwick, Bill Camp, Zach Woods, Topher Grace, and Ed Harris, with Raff Law and Sean Cameron Michael also appearing.

The cast list aligns well with the story’s darkly humorous foundation. Both Powell and Qualley’s recent streak of charismatic performances adds further anticipation for how they will bring to life a story loosely based on a classic British film.

How to Make a Killing centres on Becket Redfellow, the overlooked black sheep of a powerful family who becomes obsessed with claiming the inheritance he believes should be his. What begins as resentment quickly spirals into a dangerous mission, driving him toward violent, reckless decisions that put anyone in his way at risk. The film takes loose inspiration from the 1949 English classic Kind Hearts and Coronets, but John Patton Ford reimagines the idea with a sharp, modern twist. 

How to Make a Killing enters the calendar with the confidence of a film that knows exactly what it wants to be, backed by a director leaning further into his distinct voice. Its sharp premise and standout cast suggest a story that aims to entertain while leaving a sting, and Glen Powell, especially, who recently released a film, looks nowhere near ready to slow down as he takes on another charged lead. With February not too far away, the film’s peculiar spark is already hard to ignore.

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Are you excited about How to Make a Killing? Let us know in the comments.