Remember, Remember: 'V for Vendetta' Storms Back into Cinemas for its 20th Anniversary

Mark your calendars, revolutionaries! The iconic political action thriller, V for Vendetta, is getting a special nationwide theatrical re-release in November 2026 to celebrate two decades of defiant filmmaking.

TL;DR

• V for Vendetta returns to select cinemas across the U.S. on November 1 and 5, 2026, for its 20th anniversary.
• Fathom Entertainment, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Saga Arts are teaming up to bring this cult classic back to the big screen.
• Originally released in March 2006, the film's themes of freedom, rebellion against authoritarianism, and the Guy Fawkes mask symbolism continue to resonate deeply with audiences today.

Picture this: London in a dystopian near-future, dark and oppressive. Suddenly, Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture swells, signaling an explosion that shatters the facade of the Old Bailey. A masked figure, V, watches the chaos unfold, a permanent smile etched into his Guy Fawkes mask. This dramatic opening, a harbinger of revolution, captivated audiences two decades ago, and soon, you'll be able to experience it on the big screen once more.

Yes, you read that right! Get ready to "remember, remember the fifth of November" (and the first of November, too!) because the critically acclaimed political action thriller, V For Vendetta, is officially making a triumphant return to theaters. To mark its 20th anniversary, specialty event cinema distributor Fathom Entertainment, alongside Warner Bros. Pictures and Saga Arts, is bringing the film back to cinemas nationwide on November 1 and 5, 2026. It’s an electrifying opportunity for longtime fans to revisit this powerful story and for a new generation to discover its enduring message in a cinematic setting.

Why 'V for Vendetta' Continues to Resonate Loudly Two Decades Later

When V for Vendetta first hit screens in March 2006, it wasn't just another action flick. It was a visceral journey into a totalitarian Britain, where a masked freedom fighter known only as V (Hugo Weaving) ignites a rebellion against a fascist regime. His mission? To dismantle oppression and awaken the populace, with the help of a young working-class woman, Evey (Natalie Portman), who becomes an unlikely accomplice in his daring acts.

The film’s central themes—defiance, freedom, government overreach, and the power of ideas—have only gained traction over the years. We've seen the iconic Guy Fawkes mask, worn by V in the movie, transcend the screen to become a potent symbol for real-world anti-establishment movements like Occupy and the hacking collective Anonymous. This isn't just a movie; it's become a cultural touchstone.

“From its early days as a graphic novel and then a feature film, few properties have struck a chord with fans and been more thought-provoking societally than V for Vendetta. Twenty years later, the movie still resonates, and Fathom is so pleased to bring it back to theatres next November with our partners at Warner Bros. and Saga Arts.” — Tom Lucas, Vice President of Studio Relations at Fathom Entertainment. Source: Deadline Hollywood, "‘V for Vendetta’ Set For 20th Anniversary Theatrical Release," November 5, 2025.

Tom Lucas of Fathom Entertainment perfectly articulated this lasting impact, noting how few properties have been "more thought-provoking societally" than V for Vendetta. Its chilling predictions of mass surveillance, xenophobia, and authoritarianism continue to feel eerily relevant, making the film a powerful, even unsettling, mirror to our own world. This enduring relevance is a significant reason why audiences are eager to revisit it.

Unmasking the Genesis: From Graphic Novel Pages to the Big Screen

The cinematic journey of V for Vendetta began long before its 2006 release. It's an adaptation of the influential 1980s graphic novel of the same name, penned by Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd. The story was originally serialized from 1982 to 1985 in Warrior magazine before being published by DC Comics. The Wachowskis, the visionary minds behind The Matrix, wrote the screenplay for V for Vendetta even before they created their groundbreaking sci-fi trilogy. They produced the film alongside Joel Silver and Grant Hill, with James McTeigue making his directorial debut.

The cast is a formidable ensemble, led by Natalie Portman as Evey Hammond and Hugo Weaving, who delivered a masterful performance entirely from behind V's mask. Weaving's voice work truly brought the verbose anarchist to life. Interestingly, James Purefoy was originally cast as V but was replaced a month into filming due to concerns about a "dynamic enough presence." Weaving took over, reportedly even dubbing over some of Purefoy’s earlier scenes. Other notable actors include Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry, and John Hurt, who chillingly portrayed High Chancellor Adam Susan – a role whose scenes were even shot in Berlin locations where Hitler once gave speeches (Source: Daily Express, "V for Vendetta: 9 dynamite facts you didn’t know about the Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night movie," November 5, 2025).

The Creative Conflict: Graphic Novel Versus Film Adaptation

While the film achieved cult status and commercial success, grossing over $70 million domestically and roughly $132 million worldwide, it wasn't without its detractors, particularly from its original creator. Alan Moore, renowned for his graphic novels, famously disavowed the film adaptation. He called the screenplay "rubbish" and "imbecilic," refusing to watch it, be credited, or accept any royalties. This stance stemmed from his dissatisfaction with previous film adaptations of his works, such as From Hell and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Moore’s primary critique was that the film "watered down" the graphic novel's more radical political message and simplified V's complex character, transforming him into a more conventional "masked avenger who saves the world." For instance, in the graphic novel, V's treatment of Evey is more brutal, serving as an extreme lesson in "freedom," without the film's subsequent apology. The graphic novel also delves deeper into the societal decay, portraying the leader Adam Susan falling in love with a government supercomputer named Fate, a stark commentary on the fetishization of AI and the eradication of culture. Moore felt the film shied away from directly confronting fascism, a core element of his original narrative, which was explicitly a response to Margaret Thatcher’s ultra-conservative government (Source: Daily Express, "V for Vendetta: 9 dynamite facts you didn’t know about the Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night movie," November 5, 2025).

However, David Lloyd, the graphic novel's illustrator, held a more favorable view, considering the film "relatively faithful." The Wachowskis’ adaptation did manage to introduce elements uncannily relevant today, such as a pandemic. While some argue the film couldn't capture the graphic novel's full, unhinged depth, it undeniably made the story accessible to a broader audience, embedding its core ideas of resistance into mainstream culture.

Behind the Scenes Magic: From Dominoes to Dialogue

The production of V for Vendetta was filled with fascinating details. One of the film’s most visually striking moments involves a massive chain reaction of dominoes. This intricate scene wasn’t CGI; it took four professional assemblers a staggering 200 hours to set up all 22,000 pieces (Source: Daily Express, "V for Vendetta: 9 dynamite facts you didn’t know about the Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night movie," November 5, 2025). That's dedication to craft!

Another memorable sequence is V's eloquent self-introduction to Evey. In this scene, V uses words starting with the letter 'V' an astonishing 48 times, a clever nod to his identity and the film's title. It's these small, intricate details that showcase the Wachowskis' distinctive style and attention to linguistic artistry, adding layers of intellectual playfulness to the film's dark tone.

Example: Imagine a teenager scrolling through social media, seeing news of political unrest or discussions about civil liberties. They stumble upon a clip of V, masked and defiant, delivering a powerful monologue. Intrigued, they watch the film for the first time, not just as entertainment, but as a lens through which to view real-world events. Years later, they see news of the re-release, and for them, it's not just a movie returning; it's a call to thought, a reminder of the power of individual agency and collective dissent in the face of perceived injustice. The Guy Fawkes mask they might have seen at a protest gains new context and depth.

Your Invitation to the Revolution: How to Catch the Re-Release

So, how do you join V one year from tonight? The re-release event is set for November 1 and 5, 2026, hitting theaters across the U.S. Fathom Entertainment, known for bringing classic and event cinema back to the big screen, is your go-to for all the practical details. While tickets aren't on sale just yet, Fathom encourages fans to sign up for alerts on their website to be the first to know when showtimes and ticket information become available. This ensures you won't miss out on what promises to be a powerful and timely cinematic experience.

This theatrical return is more than just an anniversary celebration; it’s an opportunity to engage with a story that challenges, provokes, and inspires. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of V’s audacious vision or new to the world of futuristic, totalitarian Britain, seeing this film on the big screen offers an unparalleled chance to immerse yourself in its complex narrative and enduring legacy. It’s a chance to see why, two decades on, the message of defiance and freedom still rings true, perhaps more loudly than ever.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 'V for Vendetta' Theatrical Re-Release

When is V for Vendetta returning to theaters? The film will return to select cinemas on November 1 and November 5, 2026, to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Where can I buy tickets for the V for Vendetta re-release? Tickets are not yet on sale, but you can sign up for alerts through Fathom Entertainment's website to be notified when they become available.

What is V for Vendetta rated? The film is rated R for strong violence and some language.

Who directed V for Vendetta? V for Vendetta was directed by James McTeigue, marking his directorial debut.

Practical Takeaways for the Aspiring Revolutionary (and Moviegoer)

• Circle November 1 & 5, 2026: These are your dates to experience V for Vendetta on the big screen.
• Sign Up for Alerts: Fathom Entertainment's website is the best place to get direct notifications on ticket sales and theater listings.
• Revisit the Original: If you've only seen the film, consider reading Alan Moore and David Lloyd's graphic novel to explore the deeper, more radical themes.
• Prepare for Discussion: The film's enduring relevance to contemporary issues means it's still a conversation starter.

Sources

• Deadline Hollywood. "‘V for Vendetta’ Set For 20th Anniversary Theatrical Release." November 5, 2025.
• IGN. "V for Vendetta Will Return to Cinemas for its 20th Anniversary in 2026." November 5, 2025.
• First Showing.net. "New Trailer for 'V for Vendetta' 20th Anniversary Screenings in 2026." November 5, 2025.
• Daily Express. "V for Vendetta: 9 dynamite facts you didn’t know about the Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night movie." November 5, 2025.
• CBR.com. "Natalie Portman's V for Vendetta Returns to Theaters for 20th Anniversary." November 5, 2025.
• JoBlo.com. "Remember, remember when V for Vendetta returns to theaters for its 20th anniversary next November." November 5, 2025.