The Sinister Inheritance: Unpacking Glen Powell's Dark Transformation in the "How To Make A Killing" Trailer

A24 has just unleashed the official trailer for How To Make A Killing, a new black comedy thriller starring Glen Powell, and the footage suggests a sharp, darkly inventive take on greed and aristocratic murder.

The How To Make A Killing Trailer instantly establishes a sinister premise, positioning Powell's character, Becket Redfellow, on a path of extreme measures to claim a staggering family fortune.

Fans of Powell’s recent work, which has successfully mixed charm with a darker edge, are buzzing about this new direction in the actor's rapidly diversifying filmography.

What is the Central Conflict Revealed in the "How To Make A Killing" Trailer?

The core narrative, as teased in the preview, centers on Becket Redfellow, a blue-collar man who, despite his birthright, was cruelly disowned by his obscenely wealthy extended family, reportedly worth a collective $28 billion.

The trailer explains that Becket’s mother was cut out of the family's legacy, leaving him without access to the inheritance. When a friend, played by Margaret Qualley, jokingly suggests that he "speed up the inheritance process" by murdering the relatives standing in his way, Becket takes the suggestion to deadly heart.

This sets the stage for a modern, bloody twist on the classic dark comedy of succession and murder.

The plot is explicitly inspired by the 1949 British film, Kind Hearts and Coronets, which followed a similar thread of a protagonist systematically eliminating his family members to secure a title and estate.

This new A24 feature, written and directed by John Patton Ford (Emily the Criminal), appears to transplant this vintage high-stakes dark humor into a contemporary, high-gloss setting, offering viewers a blend of suspense, strategy, and morbid humor.

The footage hints at increasingly elaborate and escalating eliminations, from a seemingly accidental yacht drowning to more calculated attacks involving bows and arrows.

Who Joins Glen Powell in This Dark Comedy of Errors?

The film boasts a robust and highly respected ensemble cast, a hallmark of many successful A24 productions. The trailer gives glimpses of the heavyweight talent supporting Powell's lead performance.

Margaret Qualley co-stars as Julia, the character whose sarcastic suggestion ignites Becket's deadly plan, and her presence in the trailer suggests a key role in the moral, or immoral, trajectory of the story.

Legendary actor Ed Harris is also confirmed in the cast, likely playing one of the prominent, wealthy, and possibly doomed Redfellow family members. The film also features recognizable faces known for their sharp comedic timing and dramatic depth, enhancing the movie's dark-comedy thriller genre appeal.

Why is the Online Chatter So Intense Surrounding the A24 Release?

The verifiable online chatter focuses heavily on the film's pedigree and its star. A24's reputation for high-quality, genre-bending cinema automatically elevates interest, and the decision to partner with director John Patton Ford, whose Emily the Criminal was critically acclaimed, suggests a focus on character-driven suspense and sharp social commentary.

Furthermore, Glen Powell’s current star-power trajectory is a significant driver. His recent box office hits like Anyone but You and Twisters, coupled with a willingness to explore edgier roles (like in Hit Man and The Running Man), position him as a major draw.

The trailer positions Becket Redfellow as a charming yet utterly ruthless anti-hero, tapping into an archetype that resonates powerfully with modern audiences.

Social media engagement has highlighted the excitement for Powell tackling a fully "morally unhinged" character, suggesting this performance could be a key turning point in his career.

The competition on the announced release date (February 20, 2026) is notable, but the film's distinct genre and star power are expected to cut through the crowded box office.

Some Closing Thoughts

The How To Make A Killing Trailer is a sleek, chillingly funny preview of a film that seems destined to be a dark-horse hit for A24.

By combining a classic revenge plot with a contemporary, high-stakes setting and anchoring it with the magnetic star power of Glen Powell, How To Make A Killing is positioning itself as an essential watch in the 2026 film calendar.

The blend of a high-concept plot, a stellar ensemble, and a director known for incisive thrillers suggests this will be a commentary on wealth and entitlement that is as sharp as it is entertaining.

So, what are your thoughts on the trailer for How To Make A Killing? Let us know in the comments section down below!