The Last Duel Featurette: Ridley Scott Discusses His New Medieval Epic

The Last Duel Featurette: Ridley Scott Discusses His Medieval Epic

September 24, 2021

20th Century Studios has released the behind-the-scenes featurette for Ridley Scott’s upcoming medieval epic drama The Last Duel, which will feature an all-star cast led by Jodie Comer, Adam Driver, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck. The Last Duel featurette, which you can check out in the player below, features commentary from the acclaimed director as he talked about the film’s dynamic storytelling as well as some new action-packed footage, and a glimpse of Scott’s storyboard for the film.

The film had its world premiere earlier this month at the 2021 Venice Film Festival and is set to arrive in theaters on Friday, October 15, 2021. Its current theatrical release date will see the film going up against two high-profile films such as Blumhouse’s Halloween Kills, and Sony Pictures’ Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

Based on Eric Jager’s novel of the same name, the film brings the turbulent Middle Ages to life. When etiquette, social aspirations, and justice were driven by the codes of chivalry, the consequences for defying the institutions of the time – the Church, the nobility at court, a teenage king – could be severe. For a woman navigating these violent times, one who had no legal standing without the support of her husband, the stakes were even higher.

The Last Duel is being led by Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) as Marguerite de Carrouges, and Oscar nominee Adam Driver (Marriage Story) as Jacques Le Gris, along with Oscar-winning duo Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting) as Jean de Carrouges, and Ben Affleck (Argo) as Count Pierre d’Alençon. It also features Harriet Walter, Nathaniel Parker, Sam Hazeldine, and Michael McElhatton.

“The historical epic is a cinematic and thought-provoking drama set in the midst of the Hundred Years War that explores the ubiquitous power of men, the frailty of justice and the strength and courage of one woman willing to stand alone in the service of truth,” reads the official synopsis. “Based on actual events, the film unravels long-held assumptions about France’s last sanctioned duel between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris, two friends turned bitter rivals. Carrouges is a respected knight known for his bravery and skill on the battlefield. Le Gris is a Norman squire whose intelligence and eloquence make him one of the most admired nobles in court. When Carrouges’ wife, Marguerite, is viciously assaulted by Le Gris, a charge he denies, she refuses to stay silent, stepping forward to accuse her attacker, an act of bravery and defiance that puts her life in jeopardy. The ensuing trial by combat, a grueling duel to the death, places the fate of all three in God’s hands.”

The Last Duel is directed and produced by visionary filmmaker and four-time Oscar nominee Ridley Scott (Gladiator) from a screenplay adapted by Affleck, Damon, and Oscar nominee Nicole Holofcener (Can You Ever Forgive Me?). Producers are Affleck, Damon, Holofcener, Kevin J. Walsh, Jennifer Fox, with Kevin Halloran, Drew Vinton, Madison Ainley serving as executive producers.