Matthew McConaughey movie filmed in Alabama gets new release date: When you can see it

Get ready, Alabama movie fans: the wait for The Rivals of Amziah King is officially over. The highly anticipated film, which transformed Birmingham and the surrounding region into a set during the summer of 2023, has landed an exciting new release date of Aug. 13.

Catch the Action Locally

This sudden jump in the release schedule means you can catch screenings as early as Thursday at select Alabama theaters, including venues in both Birmingham and Huntsville. According to the movie’s official website, local cinephiles have plenty of options to catch the star-studded feature.

In Birmingham, the AMC Summit 16 is hosting showings at 6:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., while the AMC Dine-In Vestavia Hills 10 offers times at 6:15 p.m. and 9:25 p.m. Up north, the AMC Valley Bend 18 in Huntsville has a 6:25 p.m. slot, and the Cineplanet 15 in Madison features a 7 p.m. showing.

If you miss the initial drop, don't sweat it—additional screenings are slated throughout the weekend and into next week. Notably, Sidewalk Cinema in downtown Birmingham will host 30 separate screenings of “Amziah King” between Aug. 14 and Aug. 23. Film buffs should mark their calendars for a special 7:45 p.m. showing on Friday, Aug. 14, which includes a post-movie Q&A session with director Andrew Patterson.

From Alabama Locations to the Big Screen

While originally expected to follow a limited release on Aug. 14 before expanding on Aug. 21, the decision to pull the date forward is a welcome surprise for fans. This shift comes as Black Bear Pictures—which launched its own distribution arm—brings the project to audiences following a quiet reception at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival.

In the film, Matthew McConaughey stars as a free-spirited beekeeper entangled in a dangerous web of intrigue while attempting to reconnect with his foster daughter. Alabama served as a compelling stand-in for Oklahoma, with local landmarks like the J&J Grocery & Deli in Bessemer, the Pell City Steak House Restaurant, the Green Valley neighborhood of Hoover, The Frosty Mug in Jasper, and Jean’s on the River in Cordova featured prominently in the two-hour-and-ten-minute production.

A Musical Edge

Beyond the action, the film carries a musical undertone. McConaughey, who was frequently seen on set with a mandolin, noted during SXSW that the project is "kind of a musical," adding, "there was music in the language." Fans can check out the single "Quill," performed by McConaughey and his co-stars, which was released on Aug. 7.

With a cast that includes Kurt Russell, Angelina LookingGlass, Owen Teague, and Cole Sprouse, this film is shaping up to be a unique entry in the 56-year-old actor's storied career.