HBO has debuted a full trailer for the dramatic film Paterno based on Penn State football coach Joe Paterno’s involvement in the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal. The film stars Oscar winner Al Pacino (Scent of a Woman) in the title role and was directed by Barry Levinson from a script by Debora Cahn (Grey’s Anatomy) and John C. Richards (Sahara).
In addition to Al Pacino, the cast includes Riley Keough (It Comes at Night), Kathy Baker (The Ranch), Greg Grunberg (The Cloverfield Paradox), Annie Parisse (Person of Interest), and Larry Mitchell (Brawl in Cell Block 99). Barry Levinson, Jason Sosnoff, Tom Fontana, Edward R. Pressman, Rick Nicita, and Lindsay Sloane executive produced the drama, with Amy Herman producing. Paterno‘s a Levinson/Fontana production. The behind the scenes team includes cinematographer Marcell Rev, production designer David Gropman, and costume designer Rita Ryack.
HBO’s release of the first lengthy trailer came with a confirmation of the film’s premiere date. Paterno will arrive on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 8pm ET/PT.
Barry Levinson recently directed another film based on a true story and centering on a huge scandal, The Wizard of Lies. That film starred Robert De Niro as Bernie Madoff and was nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, two Golden Globes, three Critics’ Choice Awards, a Directors Guild Award, a Producers Guild Award, and a Writers Guild Award.
The Plot: Starring Al Pacino in the title role, the drama centers on Penn State’s Joe Paterno in the aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal. After becoming the winningest coach in college football history, Paterno’s legacy is challenged and he is forced to face questions of institutional failure in regard to the victims.
