📌 Introduction
William Tell (2025) is an historical epic directed by Nick Hamm, set in the 14th century during the decline of the Holy Roman Empire. The film centers around the legendary Swiss hero William Tell, who becomes a symbol of resistance against the Austrian Habsburgs after defying their oppressive rule. The story portrays Tell's journey from a humble huntsman to a leader in the fight for Swiss independence.
William Tell (2025) Movie Review, Release Date, Trailer & OTT Streaming Details
Tittle: William Tell
Director: Nick Hamm
Writer: Nick Hamm
Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, History
Star: Claes Bang
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Languages: English
Country: United Kingdom
Run Time: 2h 13m
📅 Release Date
The release date for William Tell is April 4, 2025 (limited release).
🎬 Storyline & Plot
In 1307, the Holy Roman Empire is in a state of turmoil, and its power over Europe is weakening. New dynasties like the Austrian Habsburg family are aggressively expanding their influence, and Switzerland, once a peaceful country, is overwhelmed and forced under Austrian control.
When William Tell, a skilled local huntsman, encounters a farmer who has killed a cruel Austrian governor, he agrees to help the man escape. Along the way, Tell meets other comrades who are part of a growing resistance against the Austrian rule. As they journey together, Tell realizes that the killing is a sign of the rising Swiss revolt against the Austrian occupation.
Plot:
William Tell becomes personally involved when the brutal Austrian Viceroy, Gessler, orders him to shoot an apple off his son’s head as punishment for refusing to bow to Austrian authority. This act of cruelty forces Tell to take action, as Gessler threatens his family. Tell is left with no choice but to comply with the cruel order, but the situation spirals out of control.
👥 Cast & Characters
Claes Bang as William Tell – The central figure, a skilled huntsman who becomes involved in the Swiss resistance after his son is threatened by Austrian forces.
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Jonathan Pryce as Attinghausen – A member of the Swiss resistance.
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Ben Kingsley as King Albert – A supporting character in the story.
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Jonah Hauer-King as Rudenz – A key figure in the plot.
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Golshifteh Farahani as Suna – A supporting character involved in the resistance.
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Rafe Spall as Stauffacher – A member of the resistance.
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Connor Swindells as Gessler – The Austrian Viceroy, antagonist who forces Tell to shoot an apple off his son’s head.
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Ellie Bamber as Princess Bertha – A character of importance in the Swiss narrative.
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Emily Beecham as Gertrude – Another significant character.
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Solly McLeod as Melchtal – A character in the resistance movement.
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Billy Postlethwaite as Tax Collector – A supporting role.
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Amar Chadha-Patel as Furst – Another member of the resistance.
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Sam Keeley as Baumgarten – A character in the story.
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Diarmaid Murtagh as Master Builder – Part of the plot.
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Éanna Hardwicke as Young Tell – A younger version of the main character.
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Jake Dunn as Stussi – A supporting character.
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Paul Bullion as Commander Armgard – A military figure in the movie.
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Samuel Edward-Cook as Kuoni – A resistance member.
📺 William Tell Official Trailer
📢 Where to Watch William Tell Online?
As of now, William Tell (2024) is set for a limited theatrical release on April 4, 2025. Once it has been released in theaters, it will likely make its way to streaming platforms or video-on-demand (VOD) services.
To find where you can watch William Tell online after its release, you can check major streaming platforms like:
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Amazon Prime Video
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Netflix
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Hulu
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Apple TV+
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Disney+ (though this may be less likely given the film's genre and production company)
Expected OTT Release Date: April 4, 2025
Expected OTT Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
📊 Box Office Prediction
Box Office Prediction:
Given its niche appeal as a historical drama with action elements, William Tell could make anywhere from $30 million to $75 million worldwide during its theatrical run, depending on how well it is received and marketed. The film's success will depend on strong international box office performance, especially in Europe.
If the film does well critically and attracts a dedicated audience for its historical and action elements, it could surpass the lower end of that prediction. However, its performance may be somewhat restrained by the genre’s limited appeal compared to broader blockbuster genres.
Possible Box Office Range:
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Domestic (US & Canada): $15M–$40M
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International: $20M–$35M
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Worldwide Total: $30M–$75M
These numbers are just estimates, and the actual box office performance will depend on a combination of factors such as audience reception, competition, and global appeal.
✨ Final Verdict (Should You Watch William Tell?)
The decision to watch William Tell (2024) really depends on what you're looking for in a film. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide:
Reasons to Watch William Tell:
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Stunning Cinematography and Action:
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If you're a fan of beautifully shot historical epics with action sequences, William Tell promises to deliver some impressive visuals and thrilling fight scenes. The landscape of Switzerland, along with the well-choreographed combat, could be a highlight for fans of adventure films.
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Historical Interest:
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If you're fascinated by historical stories or enjoy films based on legendary figures, William Tell offers an engaging (albeit fictionalized) take on Swiss resistance against Austrian forces in the 14th century. It's also tied to Swiss folklore, so if you're interested in the cultural backdrop, you may find it rewarding.
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Strong Cast:
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The ensemble includes talented actors such as Claes Bang, Jonathan Pryce, Ben Kingsley, and Golshifteh Farahani, which adds credibility and intrigue to the movie. If you're a fan of any of these actors, their performances might be a draw.
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Epic Scope:
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If you enjoy grand historical narratives with complex characters and larger-than-life struggles, this movie has the potential to scratch that itch. The plot focuses on themes of resistance, family, and the preservation of independence, which are often compelling in these types of films.
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Reasons to Skip William Tell:
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Mixed Critical Reception:
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Early reviews have been somewhat critical, especially regarding the dialogue and pacing. The dialogue is described as somewhat over-the-top and difficult to follow, which might take away from the storytelling experience. If you prefer films that are more straightforward and easy to follow, this might be a turn-off.
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Limited Appeal Outside of Genre Fans:
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While it has a dedicated historical and action film audience, William Tell might struggle to attract a wider crowd. Historical epics, especially those with a slow burn and complex political themes, are often divisive in terms of mainstream appeal. If you're not a fan of slower-paced, period films, you might find it a bit of a slog.
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Sequel-Baiting Ending:
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Some critics have pointed out that the movie ends in a way that seems designed to set up a sequel, which could feel frustrating if you're hoping for a complete and self-contained story. If you don’t like unresolved endings or the idea of waiting for future installments, this could be a downside.
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Who Should Watch It?
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Fans of historical dramas and epics, particularly those interested in the 14th century and Swiss history.
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Action lovers who enjoy large-scale fight scenes and sweeping landscapes.
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Audiences who appreciate classic storytelling with themes of resistance, freedom, and familial devotion.
Who Might Want to Skip It?
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Casual moviegoers who are looking for light entertainment or fast-paced plots.
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People who struggle with overly stylized or heavy dialogue—the film's language might be a barrier for some.
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Those who are not fans of slower-moving historical films, as it might feel a bit bloated or long-winded.
Verdict:
If you're a fan of historical epics with action and beautiful cinematography, William Tell is worth a shot, especially if you enjoy films like Braveheart or Gladiator. However, if you're not a fan of slow-paced narratives or struggle with convoluted dialogue, this might not be the film for you.
In the end, it all comes down to your personal taste. If you love grand, period dramas with action, you might find this one to be an enjoyable experience. Otherwise, you may want to wait for the next big blockbuster.
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📌 FAQs
1. What is William Tell about?
William Tell (2025) is a historical epic set in the 14th century, during the decline of the Holy Roman Empire. The film follows the legendary Swiss figure William Tell, who becomes embroiled in the Swiss resistance against the Austrian Habsburgs. The story centers around Tell’s defiance of the cruel Austrian Viceroy Gessler, who orders him to shoot an apple off his son’s head. The film explores themes of freedom, family, and resistance, as Tell leads the fight to preserve Swiss independence.
2. Who stars in William Tell?
The film features an ensemble cast, including:
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Claes Bang as William Tell
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Jonathan Pryce as Attinghausen
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Ben Kingsley as King Albert
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Jonah Hauer-King as Rudenz
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Golshifteh Farahani as Suna
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Rafe Spall as Stauffacher
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Ellie Bamber as Princess Bertha
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Emily Beecham as Gertrude
3. When is William Tell releasing?
William Tell is scheduled for release in theaters on April 4, 2025, with a limited release initially.
4. Is William Tell based on a true story?
The character of William Tell is a legendary figure in Swiss folklore, though there is no concrete historical evidence that he existed. The earliest written accounts of his story appear in the 15th century. While the events depicted in the film are rooted in legend, many historians consider William Tell to be more of a myth than a historical figure.
5. Where was William Tell filmed?
The movie was filmed in Switzerland, showcasing the stunning landscapes that are iconic to the story and the Swiss culture.
6. What is the film’s runtime?
William Tell has a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes.
7. Is William Tell suitable for children?
The film is rated R for strong bloody violence and brief nudity, so it may not be suitable for younger audiences. Viewer discretion is advised for children under 17.
8. How is the dialogue in William Tell?
The dialogue in William Tell has been criticized by some reviewers for being overly flowery and difficult to follow. The director chose to write the dialogue in a unique style to create a distinct atmosphere for the film, but some viewers might find it challenging to engage with the language.
9. Is there a sequel planned for William Tell?
The film sets up a potential sequel, as some critics have noted a "sequel-baiting" ending. Whether or not a sequel will be made depends on the film’s box office performance and reception.
10. Can I stream William Tell online?
As of now, William Tell is set for a theatrical release. Its availability on streaming platforms will likely follow after its run in theaters, but no official streaming release date has been confirmed yet.
11. Who directed William Tell?
William Tell was directed by Nick Hamm, who also co-wrote the screenplay along with Friedrich Schiller.
12. Why is William Tell important in Swiss history?
William Tell is considered a symbol of Swiss independence and resistance against foreign oppression. His legend is deeply embedded in Swiss national identity and represents the struggle for freedom and justice.