Quiver Distribution is laying its cards on the table with the newly released one-sheet posters for London Calling, showcasing Josh Duhamel in a role that's certainly a departure from his more recent turns. You know Duhamel from Shotgun Wedding and The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, but here he's stepping into the scuffed shoes of Tommy Ward, a hitman hoping to disappear after a job goes sideways, leaving a very angry trail of “wrong people” in his wake. What's intriguing is the setup: he's not just fleeing; he's reluctantly saddled with the most improbable sidekick for an aspiring contract killer.
The primary poster, immediately catches the eye with its vibrant yellow title emblazoned across a sun-drenched, palm-tree-lined backdrop that distinctly isn't London. Duhamel, looking a bit weary but resolute, is perched on the hood of a classic orange muscle car, a subtle Union Jack motif painted on the road beneath the car's front tire – a clear visual nod to the film's title juxtaposed with its seemingly American setting. Next to him, Jeremy Ray Taylor's character, Julian, sits on the fender, looking less like a hardened protégé and more like a kid who just wandered onto a film set. The overall composition is bright, almost hinting at a road-trip comedy, which, given the synopsis, isn't entirely misleading. It's a marketing play, for sure, leaning into the “zany adventure” aspect.
Then there's second poster which shifts the tone entirely. This one is all Duhamel, front and center, gripping a handgun. He's clad in a leather jacket and jeans, with a backdrop of stark red lines that look like they've been brushed on with violent intent, contrasting sharply with the blue behind him. The tagline, “BECOME A HITMAN,” is direct, almost a challenge, and the focus is clearly on Duhamel's character as the central, albeit reluctant, killer. This poster feels more aligned with the “down on his luck hitman” angle, hinting at the darker, more action-oriented side of the narrative. It's a smart move to have two distinct visuals, one for the buddy-comedy vibe and another for the gritty hitman story.
The official synopsis from Quiver Distribution sets the stage: “After fleeing the UK from a job gone wrong, a down on a luck hitman is forced to babysit the son of his new crime boss and show him how to become a man.”
Tommy's escape plan hits a snag when his new boss, Benson (Rick Hoffman), demands a favor. That favor comes in the form of Benson's son, Julian (Jeremy Ray Taylor), who Benson deems “too soft.” Tommy's mission: toughen up Julian and teach him the ropes of the “business” before he can go off the grid. This setup immediately brings to mind classic mismatched duo tropes, but with a darker, more dangerous edge. Allan Ungar, who previously directed Bandit and Sympathy for the Devil, is at the helm, working from a script he co-wrote with Quinn Wolfe and Omer Levin Menekse. Ungar's track record suggests he knows how to blend action with character-driven narratives, so the “zany adventure” could very well be laced with genuine stakes.
What's particularly amusing, and perhaps a subtle commentary on modern youth, is Julian's unexpected proficiency with a firearm, honed not in a firing range but through “countless hours of playing Fortnite.” It's a clever detail that grounds the otherwise fantastical premise in a recognizable reality for many audiences. Aidan Gillen, known for his roles in Game of Thrones and The Maze Runner franchise, also appears as Freddy Darby, Tommy's former boss, adding another layer of intrigue and past connections for Duhamel's character to navigate.
The film's release date is set for September 19, arriving in theaters just as the fall movie season begins to ramp up. This isn't a major studio tentpole, but Quiver Distribution has a knack for finding these mid-budget thrillers with recognizable faces that can find an audience. The success will likely hinge on the chemistry between Duhamel and Taylor, and how effectively Ungar balances the comedic elements with the inherent danger of a hitman's life.
After London Calling, Duhamel will be seen in the thriller The Neglected, where he portrays Detective Shaw, a cop on his last day before retirement who discovers a serial killer has buried his son alive. He then races against time to solve three murders and locate his son. It seems Duhamel is leaning into these more intense, time-sensitive roles, a good move for an actor looking to showcase range.
What are your thoughts on these London Calling posters, and does Allan Ungar's take on a hitman mentoring a gamer kid pique your interest? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
