Watch News of the World: HBO First Look

News of the World: HBO First Look is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the highly anticipated Western film, News of the World, which stars Tom Hanks and is directed by Paul Greengrass. The HBO special provides viewers with an in-depth look at the making of the film, with interviews and commentary from the cast, crew, and creators.

The film is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Paulette Jiles, which is set in post-Civil War Texas and follows the story of a former Confederate soldier, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Hanks), who travels from town to town reading the news to locals who are hungry for information. Along the way, he meets a young girl named Johanna (Helena Zengel) who was taken in by Native American tribes and is now in need of a home. Kidd agrees to take her to her family, and the two embark on a perilous journey across Texas.

The first part of the special focuses primarily on the film's director Paul Greengrass, who is renowned for his work on movies like the Bourne franchise and the recent 22 July. Greengrass speaks about his vision for the film and his desire to tell a story that is both entertaining and historically accurate. He also discusses the challenges of shooting a Western and the importance of capturing the vast and often inhospitable landscapes of Texas on film.

The next segment of the special delves into the casting process, with interviews with both Tom Hanks and Helena Zengel. Hanks reveals that he was drawn to the character of Kidd because of his complex and intriguing backstory, and he speaks about his admiration for Jiles' novel. Zengel, who was only 10 years old at the time of filming, discusses the challenges of working on a major Hollywood blockbuster and the thrill of acting alongside Hanks.

The segment also includes interviews with the film's producers and screenwriters, who speak about the process of adapting Jiles' novel for the screen. They discuss the changes they made to the story and the characters in order to make it more cinematic, and they reveal the thought process behind the film's stunning visuals and action sequences.

The middle portion of the special is dedicated to the film's production design and costume design, two areas that were crucial in bringing the world of News of the World to life. Viewers are treated to an inside look at the meticulous attention to detail that went into creating the film's various sets, which included everything from dusty Texas towns to dense forests and raging rivers. The costume designers also discuss the challenges of dressing the film's large cast, which included both cowboys and Native Americans.

The final segment of the special focuses primarily on the film's themes and message. The cast and crew speak about the story's relevance to the current political climate, particularly in regard to issues of racism and intolerance. They also discuss the film's emotional impact, and the ways in which it deals with themes of grief, loss, and redemption.

Overall, News of the World: HBO First Look is an engaging and informative special that takes viewers behind the scenes of one of the year's most anticipated films. From the casting process to the stunning visuals and themes, the special provides an in-depth look at the making of the movie and the creative minds behind it. Whether you're a fan of Westerns, historical dramas, or simply great storytelling, News of the World is a film that is sure to captivate and entertain.