Johnny Flynn is having a moment. From his breakout in the Netflix comedy Lovesick to playing a young Albert Einstein in Genius, he's been on a roll with roles in Ripley, Kate Winslet's directorial debut Goodbye June, and the Bill Nighy drama & Sons. This Christmas, he'll step into the wizarding world as Lucius Malfoy in HBO's Harry Potter series, a role made famous by Jason Isaacs. But before that, he's trading magic for mud and fire in 1800s Wisconsin.
This fall, the historical western A Prayer for the Dying hits screens. Flynn plays Jacob Hansen, a Civil War veteran trying to start fresh in the small Scandinavian settlement of Friendship. Based on Stewart O'Nan's novel, the story follows Jacob as he becomes the town's sheriff, undertaker, and pastor. But his new beginning turns into a nightmare when an epidemic and a wildfire tear through the community. He's forced to choose between saving his own family or fighting for the town that gave him purpose. It's a raw, redemptive arc, and he won't walk it alone.
Collider has the exclusive first look at the film's new poster, and it's a scorcher. Flynn stands center, looking every bit the grizzled veteran, flanked by Kristine Kujath Thorp and John C. Reilly. Thorp, known for Ninjababy and The Promised Land, plays Jacob's wife Marta, who pushes him to protect their family first. Reilly, usually the comedic relief, takes a serious turn as Dr. Guterson, the town doctor on the front lines of the disaster. The poster's fiery red sky sets the tone: this is a town on the brink.
Director Dara van Dusen makes her feature debut with this project, and it's already turning heads. A Prayer for the Dying premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in February, earning a nomination for Best First Feature. Critics were mixed, but many praised van Dusen's confident direction and the performances, especially Flynn's portrayal of a man caught in a moral firestorm and Reilly's rare serious role.
For fans of Flynn's upcoming Harry Potter journey, this western offers a gritty contrast to the polished villainy of Lucius Malfoy. It's a chance to see him in a raw, physical role that demands more than just a sneer.
The film also boasts a strong international ensemble, bringing the town of Friendship to life. With van Dusen at the helm, it's a promising debut that signals a new voice in westerns. As the sky turns crimson in the poster, you can almost feel the heat of the flames and the weight of Jacob's impossible choice.
A Prayer for the Dying is set for a fall release. While you wait, you can catch Flynn in other projects or revisit the original novel. But this poster alone is enough to stoke your anticipation for a western that promises both fire and redemption.
