Conclave: Release Date, Cast And Other Things We Know About The Upcoming Book-To-Screen Adaptation

As a movie enthusiast with over three decades of immersing myself in the world of cinema, I must say that the upcoming film “Conclave” is shaping up to be quite an intriguing addition to my must-watch list. With such a stellar cast featuring John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini, both seasoned veterans with impressive resumes, it’s hard not to feel excited about what this story has in store for us.


You’re on the right track if you imagined “Conclave” as the answer. This is the title Edward Berger, known for “All Quiet on the Western Front,” will follow up with in 2024. This upcoming movie promises a gripping tale of politics and religion centered around a papal election following the mysterious death of a pope. The initial glimpses have us eagerly anticipating this thrilling cinematic experience.

As a dedicated fan of gripping thrillers, I can’t help but feel a surge of anticipation upon hearing about the upcoming book-to-screen adaptation of “Conclave”. With its intricate blend of suspenseful plotlines, tantalizing conspiracies, and captivating mysteries, this project is right up my alley. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my years of film enthusiast pursuits, it’s that when a movie boasts Ralph Fiennes in the cast, it’s bound to be an Oscar contender. So let’s delve deeper into this promising production and see what unfolds before the curtain closes on its potential award-winning journey.

What Is The Conclave Release Date?

If you’re hoping to catch the movie “Conclave” on the big screen this fall, you’ll be pleased to hear that Focus Features has scheduled its release for November 1, 2024, in selected markets, with a wider release starting from November 8, 2024. Edward Berger’s latest film will debut in the UK on November 15, 2024.

The upcoming month at the movie box office will be bustling, with a variety of highly-anticipated films such as Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel, Jon Chu’s Wicked adaptation, and many others scheduled to debut before Thanksgiving weekend in late November. The Conclave serves as the starting point for this exciting movie rush.

The Conclave Cast

As “Conclave” hits theaters soon, prepare to witness a star-studded cast filled with some of the world’s top and adored actors today. Here are the clergymen and sister who will spearhead the “Conclave” ensemble.

Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence

As reported by Empire, Ralph Fiennes is set to star in the cast of “Conclave” as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, a prominent Vatican figure responsible for overseeing the election of a new pope. Notably, Fiennes, who gained fame through his roles in the “Harry Potter” films and “Schindler’s List,” has multiple upcoming projects lined up, including Uberto Pasolini’s “The Return.”

Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini

With the debut of “Conclave“, Stanley Tucci’s impressive filmography is set to expand, as he assumes the role of Cardinal Bellini – a prominent figure participating in the election process among the church hierarchy.

John Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay

Actor John Lithgow, renowned for his stellar roles ranging from “Dexter” and “The Crown” to “Terms of Endearment” and “The World According to Garp,” is set to expand his impressive repertoire by portraying Cardinal Tremblay, yet another ambitious character, in the upcoming production titled “Conclave.”

Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes

Actress Isabella Rossellini, best known for her roles in movies such as “Blue Velvet” and “Death Becomes Her,” among many others, is set to appear in the upcoming production “Conclave.” In this role, she will portray Sister Agnes, a Vatican nun privy to some shocking secrets.

What Is Conclave About?

We’ve come across several films centered around the papacy that have left quite an impression, and “Conclave” seems to promise to be one of the top ones, given its gripping plot and intricate conspiracies. As per Focus Features’ official summary, the movie portrays the chaos following the sudden demise of a popular pope, with Ralph Fiennes playing Cardinal Lawrence who is in charge of managing the ensuing turmoil. His role involves leading the conclave to elect the new head of the Catholic faith, but as he delves deeper, he discovers a sinister and destructive plot that could potentially lead to a cataclysm within The Church.

From what we’ve witnessed so far, this film appears to offer numerous surprises, unsettling disclosures, and a complex web of characters maneuvering for power over a major religion, all vying for the throne.

The Conclave Trailer

It appears that Focus Features’ upcoming film promises to be a gripping, thought-provoking, and unexpected thriller with a potential shocking twist, as suggested by the trailer for “Conclave.” Set for release in July 2024, the nearly three-minute trailer delves into the enigmatic death of the pope, the clandestine secrets surrounding his sudden demise, and the possible factors leading to it. The video also highlights the challenging duty assigned to Cardinal Lawrence and other senior officials as they convene in the Sistine Chapel to choose a successor.

As a game enthusiast diving into the latest trailer, it seems every character showcased harbors some sort of concealed secret or power-grabbing plot aimed at claiming leadership over a billion Christian souls. Yet, the intrigue remains, leaving us guessing about the true events unfolding in the storyline as the video concludes, keeping us hooked and eager for more revelations.

Conclave Is Based On Robert Harris’ 2016 Novel Of The Same Name

Over the last two decades, we’ve witnessed two papal conclaves. The first one in 2005 aimed to select a successor for Pope John Paul II, and the second occurred in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. However, neither of these events was as dramatic or shrouded in secrecy as the election portrayed in Robert Harris’ novel Conclave, which took place in 2016.

Over a decade prior to its cinematic adaptation, Harris’ novel published by Penguin Random House depicted the journey of a high-ranking cardinal who was assigned to orchestrate the election of a new pope. This seemingly straightforward task turned out to be considerably more challenging than anticipated, as secretive factions and alliances subtly maneuvered behind the scenes of this momentous occasion. The individual at the helm of these events soon discovers that appearances can often be deceiving.

The New York Times found the book to be a skillfully constructed story about power struggles, while the Guardian hailed it as an impressive Vatican confrontation – both prestigious publications offering high praise. A new paperback version, set for release prior to the film adaptation, is now available on Amazon for purchase.

Conclave Is Directed By Academy Award Winner Edward Berger

In 2022, German director Edward Berger made a global impact with his masterful and disquieting anti-war movie titled “All Quiet on the Western Front“. Two years later, it still ranks as one of the top movies on Netflix. After triumphantly winning the Best International Feature Film award at the 2023 Academy Awards, Berger has since shifted his focus to “Conclave“, marking his first film project since then.

As a fan, I was entrusted with the challenge of adapting Robert Harris’ gripping novel, “Conclave“, for Berger and Focus Features. Known for my work in films like “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy“, “Our Brand Is Crisis“, and “The Goldfinch“, I was excited to bring this captivating story to the big screen.

Anticipate further updates regarding the movie “Conclave,” which is slated for a November 2024 premiere. Now would be an ideal time to familiarize yourself with the exciting lineup of films set for release in 2025, if you haven’t already.

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2024-08-02 16:08