‘The Survivor’: 5 things you need to know about the new HBO film

The film is an examination of one man’s journey from unspeakable horrors to freedom, forgiveness and redemption
UPDATED APR 10, 2022
Ben Foster as Harry Haft in a still from 'The Survivor' (HBO)
Ben Foster as Harry Haft in a still from 'The Survivor' (HBO)

The HBO Original from Academy Award winner Barry Levinson is based on Alan Haft’s book, 'Harry Haft: Survivor of Auschwitz, Challenger of Rocky Marciano'. It tells the incredible true story of Haft, who after being sent to Auschwitz, endured the unimaginable atrocities of the camp, and was forced to perform in boxing spectacles against his fellow prisoners for the amusement of his captors. Unknown to his enemies, Haft’s will to survive is driven by his quest to reunite with the woman he loves.

Francesca Orsi (Executive Vice President of HBO Programming) previously said about the film. 'Barry's meticulous exploration of this true story of unimaginable choices, perseverance, and redemption coupled with Ben's transformative performance will captivate viewers and stay with them long after the credits roll." Levinson also recently executive produced Hulu’s award-winning miniseries, Dopesick. Here’s what we know about the film so far

RELATED ARTICLES

HBO's 'Winning Time' is a soothing balm after Lakers' unsurprising playoff elimination

HBO Max 'Tokyo Vice': 5 things to know about crime drama starring Ansel Elgort
 
When will ‘The Survivor’ release?

Academy Award winner Barry Levinson’s latest film, The Survivor, starring Ben Foster, will premiere on April 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, in honor of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)—subsequently becoming available for streaming on HBO Max.

What is ‘The Survivor’ about?

The official synopsis of the film states that it is set in the post-Second World War and will star Ben Foster as Harry Haft, a boxer who fought fellow prisoners in the concentration camps to survive. Haunted by the memories and guilt, he attempts to use high-profile fights against boxing legends like Rocky Marciano as a way to find his first love again.

Who’s in the cast of ‘The Survivor’?

Ben Foster is the protagonist of Barry Levinson's "The Survivor," and joining him is an equally impressive supporting cast that includes Danny DeVito, John Leguizamo, Billy Magnussen, Vicky Krieps, and Peter Sarsgaard, among others.

Showrunners

The movie is directed by Barry Levinson and the script is by Justine Juel Gillmer.  The film is produced by New Mandate Films’ Matti Leshem, BRON Studios’ Aaron L. Gilbert, Baltimore Pictures’ Jason Sosnoff (HBO’s Paterno and The Wizard of Lies), Levinson (Donnie Brasco, Bugsy), and Scott Pardo (Hope & A Little Sugar).

Trailer



 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The movie brought in about $165 million globally, which sounds like a lot until you compare it to ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water’
14 hours ago
Robert Duvall passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, at 95, at his farm in Middleburg, Virginia
14 hours ago
The upcoming project will be a blend of action, adventure, and comedy, similar to the previous films in the franchise
20 hours ago
Michael Jackson, who also made appearances in ‘The Wiz’ and ‘Men in Black II,’ nearly made a cameo in a Marvel supernatural movie.
1 day ago
Reports say Jason Statham will play "the role of a lifetime' in the action-comedy
3 days ago
At the time of writing, there is no official word on who is producing the new version
3 days ago
From 'The Sound of Music' to 'The Proposal, we bring you some classic romance flicks to watch
3 days ago
Emerald Fennell’s bold “Wuthering Heights” shakes up Brontë’s classic with daring changes that are already dividing fans.
3 days ago
Tyler Perry sends Joe on a wild college tour that turns into a raunchy road trip packed with family secrets and hard lessons.
3 days ago
‘Spider-Punk’s solo film gets a fresh update as Sony quietly moves forward with Daniel Kaluuya set to return as Hobie Brown.
3 days ago