Here is the final international trailer for “Valkyrie,” starring Tom Cruise. The highly anticipated World War II historical thriller will be released in theaters December 26, 2008. See photos and the movie trailer here.
Valkyrie is directed by Bryan Singer, director of “The Usual Suspects,” “X-Men 1,” X-Men 2,” and “Superman Returns” and written by Christopher McQuarrie (”The Usual Suspects,” “The Way of the Gun”) and Nathan Alexander.
The movie is based on actual historical events known as the “20 July plot.” Tom Cruise stars as Bavarian aristocrat-turned-colonel Claus von Stauffenberg who led a group of high-ranking German officers, part of the German Resistance, who during World War II devised a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler and seize power from the Nazi regime to end the war. The movie title “Valkyrie” is from the code name of the emergency plan, Operation Valkyrie, approved by Hitler, which would create a shadow government to take over in case the Allied bombing of German cities caused a breakdown in law and order. For the German Resistance, however, it was seen as the government that would replace the Nazi regime after Hitler’s death. “Valkyrie” chronicles the suspenseful events unfolding in the ill-fated assassination attempt which was carried out on July 20, 1944.
Also numbering among the movie’s international cast are Kenneth Branagh, Terrance Stamp, Christian Berkel, Kenneth Branagh, Kevin McNally, Carice van Houten, Bill Nighy, and David Schofield.
Initially, there was some controversy in Germany due to the casting of Tom Cruise as Claus von Stauffenberg Some German politicians and members of the Stauffenberg family objected because of Tom Cruise’s embrace of Scientology which they consider to be a cult. For a time, director Bryan Singer and film crew had difficulty securing permission to shoot on location.
The release date for “Valkyrie” has changed numerous times. After successful test screenings during the summer, MGM moved the 2009 President’s Day release date to December 26, 2008 to take advantage of the holiday movie season and put the movie in Oscar contention.
It’s been an interesting ride for Tom Cruise’s Valkyrie. It’s received lots of apprehension, unkind words, a false Photoshop drama and a bit of a jostle with its release date. The film’s mission to get to the screen seems almost as dangerous as von Stauffenberg’s quest to assassinate Hitler
This latest trailer reveals a highly suspenseful and foreboding movie. In just a matter of weeks moviegoers will finally have a chance to see this long awaited (and much overdue) screen adaptation of a fascinating part of World War II history.
More photos and “Valkyrie” trailer video are below.
Photos: www.wenn.com