Get Ready! Bob Odenkirk's New Action Flick 'Normal' Is Coming Big!

Your favorite Better Call Saul star, Bob Odenkirk, is back with an explosive new action role in 'Normal,' and it's hitting theaters in a massive way!

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on 'Normal'

• Bob Odenkirk stars as Sheriff Ulysses in 'Normal,' a new action-packed crime thriller.
• The movie is set for a wide theatrical release on April 17, 2026, opening in 2,000 theaters – making it Magnolia Pictures' biggest release ever!
• Written by John Wick creator Derek Kolstad and directed by Ben Wheatley, this film reunites the Nobody dream team, and sequel talks are already buzzing.

Bob Odenkirk's Action Hero Evolution Continues with 'Normal'

Bob Odenkirk has truly cemented his status as an unexpected action star since transitioning from his iconic roles in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. After the surprise success of Nobody in 2021, and its recent sequel Nobody 2, Odenkirk is diving headfirst into another thrilling adventure with his upcoming film, 'Normal.' And trust us, this one is shaping up to be a huge deal, not just for Odenkirk, but for its distributor, Magnolia Pictures!

We're talking about a movie that’s already making history before it even hits the big screen. 'Normal' is set to have the widest release in Magnolia Pictures' 24-year history, rolling out in a massive 2,000 theaters. That's a serious vote of confidence for Odenkirk's continued reign as a butt-kicking leading man!

Unpacking the Intriguing Plot of 'Normal' and Sheriff Ulysses's Dilemma

In 'Normal,' Odenkirk takes on the role of Sheriff Ulysses, an unassuming substitute sheriff with a troubled past who's looking for a fresh start. He moves to a small, quiet Midwestern American town – appropriately named Normal – hoping to escape his personal demons and marital woes. But, as you might guess, "normal" is the last thing this town turns out to be!

The peace is shattered when a bank robbery goes wrong, and Ulysses's response to the crime inadvertently uncovers a much deeper, far more explosive secret. Suddenly, our seemingly ordinary sheriff finds himself in a fight for survival against, well, pretty much everyone! The official synopsis teases that Ulysses learns the town is anything but its namesake and that a sordid secret is exposed, leaving him to battle against his own deputies and even the Yakuza. He'll need to rely on his "affable mettle" and some "motley crooks" just to make it through the night.

Bob Odenkirk on his 'Normal' character:

“The guy in Nobody is a powder keg who is more of a twisted soul... He is stuffing all of his wild feelings inside. And the guy in Normal is probably more of a normal guy. He’s trying to do his job, and he’s trying to give people room to be human. He’s for sure a little gun-shy. He’s made a mistake before misjudging people, and now he is so hesitant to take action that he almost misses the thing that’s going on in front of him.”

— Bob Odenkirk, as told to Esquire

Comparing Sheriff Ulysses to 'Nobody's' Hutch Mansell: A Different Kind of Hero

While fans might naturally compare Sheriff Ulysses to Odenkirk's previous action hero, Hutch Mansell from 'Nobody,' Odenkirk himself has clarified that they're quite different. As he explained to Esquire, Hutch was a "powder keg" — a man constantly suppressing intense feelings, ready to explode. Ulysses, on the other hand, is portrayed as more of a "normal guy" trying to do the right thing, even if he's a bit "gun-shy" due to past mistakes.

This sounds like we'll get to see a more vulnerable, relatable side of an action hero. While 'Normal' promises plenty of "bullet-riddled action," as reviews suggest, Ulysses's journey will be about overcoming his own hesitancy and uncovering a criminal conspiracy that's deeply embedded in the town. It's not just about flashy moves, but about a man trying to make amends and protect his new home.

The Creative Masterminds Behind 'Normal's' Explosive Story

The talent behind 'Normal' is just as exciting as the premise itself. The film is directed by Ben Wheatley, known for his unique cinematic style in Movies like Meg 2: The Trench, High-Rise, and Free Fire. Wheatley's ability to blend intense action with a distinctive vision makes him a perfect fit for this kind of crime thriller.

The screenplay comes from none other than Derek Kolstad, the brilliant mind who created the entire John Wick franchise. Kolstad is reuniting with Odenkirk and producer Marc Provissiero, having previously collaborated on the successful Nobody series. This reunion is great news for action fans, as it means 'Normal' will likely deliver the kind of well-crafted, high-stakes action that Kolstad is famous for. The fact that the team is back together after the success of Nobody speaks volumes about their synergy and commitment to creating compelling action stories.

A Record-Breaking Release for Magnolia Pictures: What It Means

April 17, 2026, isn't just a release date; it's a milestone for Magnolia Pictures. By launching 'Normal' in 2,000 theaters, they are shattering their previous record for the widest release in their 24-year history. The previous record holder was the June Squibb-led comedy-drama Thelma, which opened in 1,290 theaters in June 2024. Thelma went on to be a modest box office hit, grossing $13 million on a $3 million budget.

This massive theatrical push for 'Normal' signals a huge level of confidence from Magnolia Pictures in the film's potential. A wider release means more people can easily see the movie on opening weekend, which is crucial for building buzz and box office momentum. For viewers, it means a much better chance of catching this highly anticipated action flick at a cinema near you!

Meet the Talented Supporting Cast Joining Bob Odenkirk

Odenkirk isn't alone in this explosive journey. 'Normal' boasts an impressive supporting cast that adds even more weight to its already exciting premise. Joining him are legendary actor Henry Winkler, beloved for his roles in Happy Days and more recently Barry, and the formidable Lena Headey, best known as Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones.

Other cast members include Ryan Allen, Billy MacLellan, Brendan Fletcher, Peter Shinkoda, and Jess McLeod. The combination of seasoned veterans and talented rising stars promises a dynamic ensemble to bring the corrupt town of Normal to life.

The Road Ahead: Release Date and Looming Box Office Battles

'Normal' is slated to hit theaters on April 17, 2026. That spring weekend is already shaping up to be quite a battleground at the box office. Our film will be opening alongside Lee Cronin's The Mummy from New Line and Blumhouse, and Amazon MGM Studios' Liam Neeson-led action movie, 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank. This competitive landscape shows just how confident Magnolia Pictures is in 'Normal's' ability to draw a crowd.

What's even more exciting for fans of Odenkirk's action prowess is that discussions for a sequel to 'Normal' are already underway! Derek Kolstad himself revealed this to Deadline. This kind of early sequel talk is a strong indicator that the studio sees franchise potential here, perhaps even as a new tentpole for Odenkirk's action career if the Nobody series doesn't continue.

'Nobody's' Legacy and the Future of Odenkirk as an Action Icon

Bob Odenkirk's transformation into an action star really kicked off with 2021's 'Nobody.' That film, with its John Wick-esque vibe, was a commercial and critical success, grossing $57.5 million globally against a $16 million budget and earning an 83% "Certified Fresh" rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The recently released sequel, 'Nobody 2,' while still well-received by critics (77%) and audiences (88%), saw a dip in box office performance, taking in $39.4 million on a higher $25 million budget, though it did become a hit on PVOD.

With the future of the 'Nobody' franchise currently "uncertain" according to reports, 'Normal' arrives at the perfect time. It offers Odenkirk a fresh new character and a new potential franchise, cementing his place as one of Hollywood's most exciting and versatile action leading men. Critics who've seen 'Normal' at TIFF are already praising it. JoBlo's Chris Bumbray gave it a 7/10, stating it was "exactly what he wanted from a Bob Odenkirk-led action film." Costa Christoulas scored it 75/100, calling it "an outrageous blast" that breezes through its "tight 90-minute runtime." With an R-rating for strong bloody violence and language, it sounds like 'Normal' is ready to deliver the intense, no-holds-barred action Odenkirk's fans have come to love.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'Normal' When does 'Normal' officially release in theaters? 'Normal' is set to hit theaters on April 17, 2026. Where can I watch 'Normal'? The film will have a wide theatrical release, opening in 2,000 theaters. Details on streaming platforms or home video releases will likely follow closer to the release date. What is 'Normal' rated? 'Normal' has received an R rating for strong bloody violence and language. How long is the runtime for 'Normal'? The film has a tight runtime of approximately 90 minutes.

Sources:

• CBR.com
• Deadline Film + TV
• MovieWeb.com
• JoBlo.com
• Esquire Magazine (as cited by MovieWeb)
• UPI.com
• Hollywood Reporter (as cited by JoBlo.com)