In his new thriller, Knox Goes Away, renowned actor Michael Keaton showcases his multifaceted talents as both the director and lead actor. At the age of 72, Keaton takes on the role of John Knox, a hit man with a strong moral compass – he reserves his lethal skills solely for those he considers to be bad guys.
PEOPLE magazine has the privilege of debuting the exclusive first trailer for this highly anticipated film. The trailer introduces us to John Knox, whose life takes a drastic turn when his doctor diagnoses him with a rapidly progressing form of dementia. With only weeks to live, Knox maintains his characteristic wit and dark humor, quipping, 'Even if I hated you for telling me, I'd forget soon enough.'
As Knox's remaining time on this earth dwindles, he finds himself caught in a web of stress and emotional turmoil. His hit job goes awry, and his estranged son, Miles (played by James Marsden), seeks his father's help after inflicting harm upon a man who harmed Miles's teenage daughter.
Striving for redemption, John sets out on a mission to assist his troubled son. However, his pursuit is soon hindered as relentless detectives close in on him.
While Keaton's character in Knox Goes Away may be a contract killer, he emphasizes that this is not your typical 'hit-man movie.' In an interview with PEOPLE, Keaton clarifies his stance, stating, 'There’s been about 9,000 hit-men movies made, and everybody's done it as good as you can do it. I had zero interest in making a hit-man movie. It isn't and never was.'
Keaton humorously refers to his latest venture as being in the 'adult movie business,' where he delves into the complex dynamics of the father-son relationship amid facing mortality.
Knox Goes Away holds special significance for Keaton, as it marks his return to the director's chair nearly a decade after his feature-length directorial debut with The Merry Gentleman in 2008. When asked about the gap in time, Keaton admits, 'I've had offers and opportunities, but mostly the problem was what an undertaking it is. When would I find the time to do it?'
For Keaton, it was crucial to find a solidly written script that truly resonated with him. He jokes, 'If there’s a really great one, there’s the likelihood Christopher Nolan or Steven Spielberg are gonna beat you to it.'
However, the opportunity to direct Knox Goes Away came knocking years ago, and despite some initial hesitation, Keaton eventually took the plunge, acknowledging the importance of getting it right. He succeeded admirably, even while working under tight time constraints. With only 25 days for shooting, Keaton managed to wrap up filming in an impressive 24-and-a-half days.
Alongside Keaton, the star-studded cast of Knox Goes Away features acting heavyweights Al Pacino, Marcia Gay Harden, and Suzy Nakamura, lending their talents to this captivating tale of intrigue and emotional exploration.
Keep an eye out for Knox Goes Away, set to hit theaters on March 15, and prepare to immerse yourself in the gripping narrative created by the remarkable Michael Keaton.
