Here’s an update on David Leitch’s latest film, “How to Rob A Bank,” which is set for release this fall.
A test screening reaction has been published by TheInSneider, which describes the modern crime thriller as “groundbreaking” in its use of a DIY, TikTok/YouTube/Instagram aesthetic to tell its conventional story with “modern language.” The film is partially shot this way, especially the robbery scenes.
There will clearly be a very fragmented and “feed-like” visual language to this film. You can probably expect fast-cut editing, vertical video framing mixed into widescreen sequences, and a ton of diegetic phone footage—like surveillance clips, livestreams, bodycam angles, and screen recordings.
There have been some precedents, though mostly in smaller-scale filmmaking. Films like “Searching” and “Run,” both directed by Aneesh Chaganty, popularized the “screenlife” format, telling stories entirely via computer screens and digital devices. Furthermore, horror films such as “Unfriended” and “Host” used real-time video call storytelling. Probably the best example of what Leitch is trying to do here might reside in Eugene Kotlyarenko’s “Spree,” which incorporated social media, livestreaming, and influencer POVs more directly into its narrative.
The film has a group of bank robbers, led by Nicholas Hoult’s alpha, who call themselves The Wolf Pack. They use social media to document their heists, playing a cat-and-mouse game with a detective played by John C. Reilly and assisted by a technologically gifted criminal played by Zoe Kravitz. Pete Davidson, Anna Sawai, and Rhenzy Feliz complete the cast. The screenplay comes from “Hunters” writer Mark Bianculli.
Leitch, a stunt coordinator-turned-filmmaker, is an interesting case study. He specializes in action, and for the most part, has had a successful career directing high-octane films: “John Wick,” “Atomic Blonde,” “Deadpool 2,” “Hobbs & Shaw,” and “Bullet Train.”
Leitch recently helmed 2022’s “Bullet Train,” starring Brad Pitt, and despite the disappointing box office, 2024’s “The Fall Guy,” starring Ryan Gosling, earned good reviews. Before hopping on board “How to Rob A Bank,” Leitch was supposed to direct “Jurassic World Rebirth,” but he abruptly exited that project due to “creative differences,” which left Universal scrambling for a replacement (which would eventually be Gareth Edwards).
Amazon/MGM plans a wide theatrical release over Labor Day weekend for “How to Rob A Bank,” with a premiere date set for September 4, 2026.