As of late, Hollywood has been rereleasing its biggest cinematic hits on special anniversaries. One of the latest films to follow this trend will be the iconic dystopian thriller V for Vendetta, initially released in 2006.
The film was based on the eponymous graphic novel by Alan Moore and David Lloyd, released between 1982 and 1985. With a screenplay by the Wachowskis siblings and directed by James McTeigue, V for Vendetta became a cultural phenomenon, particularly for its treatment of political and social issues such as anarchy, totalitarianism, terrorism, and oppression.
What is the film about? (Without spoilers)
The story begins in an almost apocalyptic yet still realistic future where a fascist totalitarian regime has invaded the UK, where people are daily subjugated to the whims of the regime. Amidst the despair, an anarchist and revolutionary who calls himself V and wears a Guy Fawkes mask to protect his identity has his sights set on a revolution to defeat the government once and for all.
Hugo Weaving portrays the mysterious freedom fighter V, and Natalie Portman appears as Evey Hammond, a television network worker who crosses paths with V and ends up right at the centre of the revolution. Stephen Rea rounds up the main cast as the Chief Inspector working for Scotland Yard, who will try to crush the uprising and V, before it's too late.
Who is Guy Fawkes and why is he still relevant today?
As previously said, V wears a Guy Fawkes mask to hide his identity. Later in the film, when Guy Fawkes Night approaches, V distributes thousands of these masks among the other dissidents, creating chaos as the police don't know who the real V is.
For those unfamiliar with Guy Fawkes, he was a British conspirator involved in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, which sought to overthrow the British monarchy by blowing up the House of Lords. This plot ultimately failed as Fawkes was discovered with the gunpowder before the plan was carried out, and he, alongside other protesters, was hanged and burned for treason.
Every Nov. 5, bonfires are lit across Great Britain, and fireworks are set off to commemorate the plot's failure. This night is popularly known as Bonfire Night, Fireworks Night, and Guy Fawkes Night.
Illustrator David Lloyd then created the Guy Fawkes mask for the graphic novel, which was then portrayed in the film as well. The mask consists of a pale smiling face, red cheeks, a black moustache with its ends upturned, and a thin beard below.
Since the release of the graphic novel and, in particular, the film, the Guy Fawkes mask has become a symbol of resistance. Activists have used this mask when protesting against government oppression across the globe, and its use symbolises the search for freedom of expression and the power of unity to accomplish almost anything.
When is the rerelease scheduled for?
For V for Vendetta's 20th anniversary, Warner Bros. decided to rerelease the film next year to commemorate a cult favourite that further catapulted the story and its actors to new heights. Natalie Portman, who became notorious for shaving her head on-screen, earned her the 2007 Best Actress Saturn Award for her performance.
Deadline confirmed the official rerelease dates for as Nov. 1 and 5, 2026.
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