'September 5’ trailer just dropped, and it’s already an Oscars contender

The historical drama 'September 5’ is directed by Tim Fehlbaum and stars Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Ben Chaplin and Leonie Benesch in key roles
The trailer of Peter Sarsgaard's 'September 5' depicts an emergency hostage situation (@paramountpictures)
The trailer of Peter Sarsgaard's 'September 5' depicts an emergency hostage situation (@paramountpictures)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: With equal parts intrigue and thrill, Paramount dropped the trailer for the historical drama flick 'September 5' on Thursday, October 24, giving a glimpse into the tumultuous tragedy. Directed by Tim Fehlbaum, the historical drama film is written by Fehlbaum, Moritz Binder, and Alex David and is based on the 1972 Munich Olympic hostage crisis from the perspective of an ABC sports crew.

Starring Peter Sarsgaard as Roone Arledge, who led ABC Sports from 1968 to 1986 and ABC News from 1977 to 1998, the film incorporates archival footage from ABC's coverage of the 1972 Summer Olympics and the subsequent hostage situation. In addition, the movie will share behind-the-scene developments during the terrorist attack.

'September 5' trailer highlights a dark chapter in history 

A still from 'September 5' (@paramountpictures)
A still from 'September 5' (@paramountpictures)

The trailer sets a somber tone, juxtaposing vibrant Olympic festivities with the terror that unfolds when militants invade the Olympic Village. What begins as a celebration quickly turns grim as news breaks of the attack on the Israeli Olympic team.

As the ABC Sports crew attempts to broadcast the rescue efforts, they realize the peril of revealing their every move, as the terrorists may be monitoring their broadcast, putting the hostages in even greater danger.

Director Tim Fehlbaum shares his motivation behind 'September 5’ 

A still from 'September 5' 
 (@paramountpictures)
A still from 'September 5' (@paramountpictures)

Director Fehlbaum highlighted the release of the movie as a watershed event in media history, stressing the film's investigation of the first live television issue and how we consume media today, as per Esquier.

The filmmaker explained that after studying filmmaking in Munich, he got fascinated by the ABC Sports team's narrative, which he helped to tell with eyewitness Geoffrey Mason. He also stated that 'September 5' focuses on journalism while tackling the complexity and ethical quandaries encountered when reporting amid a crisis. 

What is the real story behind 'September 5’?

Ben Chaplin and John Magaro in a still from 'September 5' (@paramountpictures)
Ben Chaplin and John Magaro in a still from 'September 5' (@paramountpictures)

All hell broke loose when eight Palestinian militants from Black September stormed the Olympic Village in Munich on September 5, 1972, killing two Israelis and holding nine others hostage in order to highlight the Palestinian struggle, per The Washington Post. In addition, the terrorists demanded the release of over 200 political prisoners. In light of the issue, the United States even removed swimmer Mark Spitz to ensure his safety. Reportedly, after 20 hours of failed discussions, the militants wanted a plane to depart. According to reports, a rescue attempt at the air base ended tragically, with a German police officer, nine Israeli hostages, and five militants killed, while three others were detained.

The film premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on Thursday, August 29, 2024, and is scheduled to be released in selected theaters on Friday, November 29. The film will be available for a broader release on Friday, December 13, by Paramount Pictures.

'September 5’ trailer



 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Ari Aster’s upcoming thriller 'Scapegoat' brings together Scarlett Johansson, Jacob Elordi, and Jude Law, with its mysterious plot still under wraps.
2026-10-22T18:18:46.000Z
DC’s Clayface brings body horror to Gotham as Matt Hagen’s transformation spirals into a story of obsession, lost identity, and revenge in the upcoming 'Clayface' movie.
2026-10-21T20:03:15.000Z
Jack O'Connell discusses the close-knit feel of the 'A Quiet Place' franchise as anticipation builds for the next installment.
2026-10-21T14:52:09.000Z
‘The Prestige’ returns for an anniversary run with new viewing options for Christopher Nolan fans.
2026-10-20T18:05:56.000Z
Star Wars Funday Football’ will stream on Disney+ and the ESPN App, with the animated game also airing on Disney Channel and Disney XD.
2026-10-20T07:15:06.000Z
The Prime Video romantic comedy’s next chapter brings a new director and a move to Italy.
2026-10-19T19:26:54.000Z
'C.L.A.Y.' marks Simon Afram’s feature directing debut, with filming set for November in London.
2026-10-19T18:18:23.000Z
The sequel to the 2011 motion capture adventure now has a finished script and a director
2026-10-19T07:16:32.000Z
The movie was first announced months after ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ closed the Skywalker saga
2026-10-19T04:56:20.000Z
‘You Can See Everything’ takes an unexpected turn after Elizabeth Holmes begins her prison sentence.
2026-10-17T16:42:01.000Z