The Bikeriders Premieres in London Following High Anticipation
The Bikeriders premiered in London this week, at long last. The highly anticipated film, starring Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, and Jodie Comer, can be expected in theaters on June 21. The plot follows a developing motorcycle club, the Vandals, as the members seek love, freedom, and power in a stirring ode to an Americana long since left by the wayside.
The trailer was released in the spring and has electrified fans, who have been looking forward to the film’s release ever since. It’s apparent from the first few seconds of the trailer that we’re in for a seriously rebellious rock and roll flick.
Set in 1965 Chicago, the fictional story is inspired by motorcyclist Danny Lyon’s photos of the real-life organization, the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. Lyon published a book of his work, entitled The Bikeriders, in 1967. Rising heartthrob Mike Faist of Challengers, portrays Danny Lyon himself.
Austin Butler stars as Benny, a James Dean-esque outsider who cares only for the open road and maybe Kathy, his girlfriend (Comer). Jodie Comer, who starred in Killing Eve and Free Guy, stuns as strong-willed Kathy, complete with a classic 60s bouffant.
Tom Hardy portrays Johnny, the Vandals’ leader, and Benny’s mentor. Johnny’s ambitious designs for Benny and increasingly criminal tendencies foster conflict between all three characters and law enforcement.
Butler recently revealed that filming The Bikeriders was as dangerous as it looked. He shared with IGN that the scenes of Benny riding without a helmet or a care in the world were authentic. The cast had the help of Jeff Milburn, an expert motorcyclist and stunt coordinator. Butler is driving Milburn’s bike in the film.
The three leads attended the film’s gala premiere in London on June 11, lighting up the red carpet in appropriately classic attire. Comer is wearing a Vivienne Westwood gown, and Butler is wearing Celine Homme.
Landed in London #TheBikeriders pic.twitter.com/yWlJBrdpdv
— The Bikeriders (@bikeridersfilm) June 12, 2024
Fans were thrilled by the premiere screening, voicing their approval online.
The Bikeriders… my heart is on fire. That was a real good movie.
— Joyboy Jude (@judeblay) June 11, 2024
The film also features Michael Shannon, a frequent collaborator of the director Jeff Nichols. The duo has worked together in almost every film Nichols has created, including Mud with Matthew McConaughey.
Norman Reedus is also a proud member of the cast. His love of motorcycles and lifelong connoisseurship of the photography that inspired the film made him an ideal candidate. Reedus shared with ComicBook that the casting choice had just fallen into place thanks to a chance encounter with Nichols over dinner at Cannes.
With the premiere in the books and the critics brimming with praise, we couldn’t be more excited to see The Bikeriders in theaters on June 21. Check out the trailer below to get a taste of the action.
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