Christoph Waltz’s ‘Old Guy’ to premiere at Newport Beach Film Festival
A star-studded opening night
The Newport Beach Film Festival is set to dazzle audiences with the world premiere of Simon West’s “Old Guy”, starring the legendary Christoph Waltz, alongside Cooper Hoffman and Lucy Liu. This highly anticipated event will kick off the 25th edition of the festival, running from October 17 to 24. The film’s release is scheduled for the spring of 2025.
Honoring a cinematic icon
Christoph Waltz, a two-time Academy Award winner, will be honored with the Icon Award at the screening. Waltz’s illustrious career includes unforgettable performances in “Inglorious Basterds” and “Django Unchained”, both directed by Quentin Tarantino. His filmography also boasts titles like “Big Eyes”, “The French Dispatch”, “Horrible Bosses 2”, “No Time To Die”, “Spectre”, and “Water for Elephants”. Fans can look forward to his upcoming projects, “Dracula: A Love Tale” and “Frankenstein”.
A night to remember
Gregg Schwenk, CEO and executive director of the Newport Beach Film Festival, expressed his excitement: “The Festival is thrilled to host the World Premiere of Simon West’s ‘Old Guy’ as the Opening Night Film to kick off the 25th anniversary of the Newport Beach Film Festival. To have Christoph Waltz in attendance to honor his iconic career will truly create an unforgettable event for our audience.”
The plot thickens
“Old Guy” centers around Danny Dolinski (Waltz), an aging contract killer who still believes he’s the best in the business. Stuck in a mundane desk job and yearning for the affection of club manager Anata (Liu), Danny’s life takes a turn when he’s called back into the field. However, he’s dismayed to learn that he must train Wihlborg (Hoffman), a Gen Z prodigy assassin with a bad attitude. The mismatched duo is tasked with eliminating a rival crime syndicate, only to uncover their employer’s true motive: a complete takeover by removing the old guard. With Anata’s crucial help, Danny and Wihlborg form an unlikely bond and take matters into their own hands to bring down The Company, proving that age is just a number.
Behind the scenes
Directed by Simon West (known for “The Expendables 2”, “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider”, and “The Mechanic”), and written by Greg Johnson (“The Last Son”), “Old Guy” boasts an impressive production team. The film is produced by Jib Polhemus (“The Last Son”, “The Expendables 2”), Martin Brennan (“One Way”, “Zone 414”), West, Petr Jákl (“Medieval”, “The Last Full Measure”), and Hal Sadoff (“The Nice Guys”, “Orphan: First Kill”). Executive producers include Arianne Fraser and Delphine Perrier from Highland Film Group, JJ Caruth from The Avenue, Martin J. Barab from R.U. Robot Studio, Walter Josten from Blue Rider Pictures, and Jared Underwood, Andrew Robinson, and Dan Mandel from Aperture Media Partners.
A night of celebration
The Opening Night Gala will be held at Fashion Island, featuring live entertainment and culinary tastings from two dozen of Newport Beach’s top restaurants. Tickets for the film and gala, available to attendees 21 and over, are priced at $225.
Looking ahead
The full festival lineup will be announced on September 17, promising a diverse array of films and special events to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Newport Beach Film Festival.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Old Guy.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts:
As a long-time admirer of Christoph Waltz, the announcement of “Old Guy” as the opening film for the Newport Beach Film Festival is thrilling. Waltz’s ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters is unparalleled, and seeing him in the role of an aging contract killer promises a captivating performance. The dynamic between his character and the young prodigy, played by Cooper Hoffman, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Lucy Liu’s involvement further elevates the film’s appeal, making it a must-watch for fans of action and drama.
The festival’s decision to honor Waltz with the Icon Award is a testament to his significant contributions to cinema. His performances in “Inglorious Basterds” and “Django Unchained” are etched in the annals of film history, and his continued work in diverse roles showcases his versatility as an actor.
For those attending the festival, the Opening Night Gala promises an unforgettable experience, blending the magic of cinema with the vibrant culture of Newport Beach. The anticipation for the full festival lineup adds to the excitement, as film enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of additional films and events.
the Newport Beach Film Festival’s 25th edition is set to be a landmark event, celebrating the art of filmmaking and honoring one of its most iconic figures. “Old Guy” is poised to be a standout film, and its premiere will undoubtedly be a highlight of the festival.