For fans of the man behind such celebrated titles as the entireFantastic Beastsfranchise and fourHarry Potterflicks, it may have come as a surprise thatDavid Yateswould be swapping out the big screen for that sweet streamer life with his latest production. But now, Netflix reveals that this isn’t entirely the case as the director’s upcoming featurePain Hustlerswill celebrate a limited theatrical release. Dropping in theaters just one week before it’s made available on the streaming platform, the star-studded production arrives in cinemas on July 29, 2025, with its Netflix release to follow onOctober 27, 2023.
A very common theme over the last few years for streamers including Netflix and Peacock, the double release is a terrific way to drive up those views and make some extra cash at the box office. Following in the footsteps of other Netflix productions likeEdward Berger’s award-sweeping anti-war feature,All Quiet on the Western FrontandAdam McKay’sDon’t Look Up,Pain Hustlers’ theatrical release also gives the film an opportunity to take a sprint at an Academy Award.
InPain Hustlers,Emily Bluntstars as Liza Drake,a single momjust trying to survive after the massive financial blow of losing her job. After she meets a charming and persuasive pharmaceutical sales rep named Pete Brenner (Chris Evans), Liza dives into the up-and-coming world of corporate medicine. Unfortunately for Liza, she’s stumbled right into a racketeering scheme led by her morally questionable boss (Andy Garcia). Stepping back to take a look at how her new career is affecting not only her but also her daughter and strangers across the country, Liza is faced with a tough decision.
Who Else Stars in ‘Pain Hustlers’?
Joining the main cast is anensemblethat includesChloe Coleman(Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves),Jay Duplass(Jeff, Who Lives at Home),Willie Raysor(Halloween Kills),Amit Shah(The Courier),Aubrey Dollar(Point Pleasant), andBrian d’Arcy James(Love & Death).
As viewers may have noticed, there’s been an uptick in productionscentered around the opioid crisisin recent years withPain Hustlersbeing no different. Most recently, Netflix dropped a similar tale in mini-series form inPainkiller, which featuredMatthew Broderickas Purdue Pharma PresidentRichard Sackler. Rival streamer, Hulu, also shed light on the heartbreaking ongoing epidemic with its 2021 award-winning series,Dopesick.
As of right now, no trailer forPain Hustlershas been released but if you’re interested in other similar titles, check out the teaser forPainkillerbelow.
