HBO Films Releases Official Trailer for Paterno

HBO Films releases official trailer for Paterno

HBO has released a full-length trailer for their upcoming film Paterno, starring Al Pacino as the titular figure, which can be viewed below.

The drama centers on Penn State’s Joe Paterno in the aftermath of the sexual abuse scandal revolving around his assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. After becoming the “winningest” coach in college football history, Paterno’s legacy is challenged and he is forced to face questions of institutional failure in regard to the victims. Sandusky was ultimately sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison after dozens of allegations of child abuse and molestation. The trailer showcases the various confrontations Paterno faced from individuals wondering exactly what he knew about Sandusky’s abuse as well as the support he received from many at the university.

Pacino has not had the most stellar filmography these past few years despite being one of the most highly-regarded actors of all time. Thankfully for fans of prime Pacino, he has collaborated with director Barry Levinson on a previous HBO film with 2010’s You Don’t Know Jack which earned him immense critical praise as well as an Emmy and SAG Award for his portrayal of Dr. Jack Kevorkian. If the trailer is any indication, viewers may witness another Emmy-worthy performance from the Oscar winner.

Paterno is directed by Levinson (Rain Man) from a script by Debora Cahn and John C. Richards. It also stars Riley Keough, Greg Grunberg, Annie Parisse, Larry Mitchell, and Kathy Backer. It is a Levinson/Fontana production of a Barry Levinson Film; executive produced by Barry Levinson, Jason Sosnoff, Tom Fontana, Edward R. Pressman, Rick Nicita and Lindsay Sloane; Amy Herman produces; produced in association with Sony Pictures Television.

Paterno is set to debut on HBO on Saturday, April 7th at 8:00pm (ET/PT).

Are you looking forward to the film? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.