‘Paddington’ writer’s ‘The Phantom of the Open’ gets US release date – watch the trailer!
Charming British film The Phantom of the Open has confirmed a release in US cinemas.
Written by BAFTA-winning writer and actor Simon Farnaby (Paddington 2, Ghosts), the movie is based on Farnaby’s own book.
The comedy-drama came out in the UK last month, delayed from its original planned November 2021 release.
The Phantom of the Open is described as “an uplifting and moving comedy drama about pursuing your dreams and shooting for the stars, no matter what hand you’re dealt.”
London’s Evening Standard wrote in their 4-star review: “[Mark Rylance] makes the World’s Worst Golfer into a loveable legend all over again.”
The official synopsis reads: “The Phantom of the Open tells the remarkable true story of Maurice Flitcroft, a crane operator and optimistic dreamer from Barrow-in-Furness who, with the support of his family and friends, managed to gain entry to the 1976 British Open qualifying, despite never playing a round of golf before.
“With pluckiness and unwavering self-belief, Maurice pulls off a series of stunning, hilarious and heartwarming attempts to compete at the highest level of professional golf, drawing the ire of the golfing elite but becoming a British folk hero in the process.””
The Phantom of the Open arrives in cinemas in New York and Los Angeles on Friday 3rd June, Deadline reports, “with a wider release in additional markets set for the following weeks.”
Watch the trailer:
Mark Rylance (The BFG) stars as Maurice, joined by Sally Hawkins (Paddington) as his wife Jean, and Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill) as Maurice’s nemesis Mackenzie.
The cast also includes Jake Davies (Artemis Fowl), Christian Lees (Speechless), Jonah Lees (Sun Records), Mark Lewis Jones (The Crown), and Johann Myers (Yardie).
The much-anticipated third Paddington movie is due to start shooting later this year, with Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville reprising his role as Henry Brown.
Simon Farnaby’s book The Phantom of the Open is available on Amazon.