Paul Greengrass: Turning Andrew Garfield Into a Medieval Rebel

The story of disgruntled citizens feeling the need to rise up against a rigged system and distant elites is one that defines our moment. But we’re not unique in that feeling. Mistrust of the elite goes back a long way — like when England’s peasants almost toppled the ancien regime of King Richard II in 1381.

And that’s the focus of Oscar-nominated director Paul Greengrass’s latest film, The Uprising. Starring Andrew Garfield as a disgruntled ploughman, Cosmo Jarvis as Wat Tyler — and with our very own Dan Jones serving as historical consultant — the film takes us into the tumult of 14th-Century London to help explain why ordinary people brought the reign of King Richard II to the brink.

In this very special In Conversation episode, Dan and Paul explore how they told the story of the Peasants Revolt on the silver screen, while Paul peels back the curtain about how historic films actually get made — and why ‘accuracy’ is the wrong question. Plus, they reflect on why the lessons of the Peasants Revolt have incredible relevance to the fractious politics of today.

Catch The Uprising in cinemas from:

September 11, US and Canada (and select US theatres from September 10)

October 9, UK

October 30, Latvia

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Remember to stick around for Paul’s bonus episode with Dan, where Paul gives Dan’s his top five favourite historical films. That’s all for you to discover on our royal court on Patreon: patreon.com/thisishistory

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Presented by Dan Jones

Producer - Alan Weedon

Senior Producer - Dominic Tyerman

Junior Producer - Dulcie Whadcock

Executive Producer - Louisa Field

Executive Producer - Dan Jones

Production Manager - Jen Mistri

Production Coordinator - Eric Ryan

Head of Content - Chris Skinner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices