‘Under The Banner of Heaven’: Premiere Date Released for Andrew Garfield’s True Crime Show

Under The Banner of Heaven is Hulu’s new crime mini-series starring Andrew Garfield as Detective Pyre, a devout Mormon whose faith is tested during an investigation of brutal murder seemingly connected to an esteemed Utah family’s spiral into LDS fundamentalism and their distrust in the government.

Ever since the new trailer was released, people were hooked on the story and prayed that the premiere date is just around the corner. Finally, Hulu has just officially confirmed that Under The Banner of Heaven will premiere on April 28; the series will consist of seven episodes which will be released weekly on the streaming platform. 

The show is based on the true-crime bestseller by Jon Krakaue, published in July 2003 and highly critically acclaimed and successful. He investigates both the origin and evolution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), and a modern double murder committed in the name of God by brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty, who subscribed to a fundamentalist version of Mormonism.

Despite the book being generally well received, it was a bit controversial due to its themes. When it was released, the managing director of the Church History Department of the LDS Church, Richard E. Turley, criticized the book and claimed it contained historical errors and incorrect assertions, and showed “unfamiliarity with basic aspects” of the Church’s history, theology and administrative structure.

He also argued that the book lacks “scientific methodology” and finally, accused Krakauer of “condemning religion generally”. In 2004, Krakauer responded to these allegations, saying that he was pretty clear in his distinction between fundamentalist Mormons and mainstream Mormons.

It is unclear how deep the adaptation will touch on the issues and whether it may come off as borderline controversial as well. The series is adapted to the small screen by Dustin Lance Black and is directed by David Mackenzie. Alongside Garfield, it casts Daisy Edgar-Jones, Sam Worthington, Wyatt Russell, and Rory Culkin.