A new trailer forDeath on the Nileshows glimpses ofArmie Hammer’s performance completed prior to the actor’s controversy.
Hammer, 35, plays a newlywed, Simon Doyle, alongside Gadot’s Linnet Ridgeway Doyle, in the film. Branagh’s detective Hercule Poirot is tasked with finding the murderer of a young heiress aboard a cruise ship on the Nile River.
Throughout the 2-minute trailer, Hammer can be seen in glimpses with only one speaking line shown in the trailer.
Death on the Nile, a follow-up to 2017’sMurder on the Orient Express, is set to hit theaters on Feb. 11, after experiencing several postponements amid the pandemic. (It was originallyslated for an October 2020 release.) The film was made in late 2019 anda first look of the filmwas exclusively released to PEOPLE in August 2020.
Hammer is currentlyfacing rape allegations for a 2017 incidentwith his former partner, who came forward in March accusing the actor of sexual assault. He has denied all accusations against him.
Armie Hammer inDeath in the Nile.20th Century Studios/Youtube
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Hammer’s lawyer denied the rape allegations, stating that the encounter between Hammer and Effie was “completely consensual, discussed and agreed upon in advance, and mutually participatory.”
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Courtesy of 20th Century Studios
His lawyer added, “Effie’s own correspondence with Mr. Hammer undermines and refutes her outrageous allegations. As recently as July 18, 2020, [Effie] sent graphic texts to Mr. Hammer telling him what she wanted him to do to her. Mr. Hammer responded making it clear that he did not want to maintain that type of relationship with her.”
After Effie’s March press conference, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed Hammer was under investigation for sexual assault in a case that was opened in February.
In June,Vanity Fairreported that the actor — who shares a daughter, 7, and son, 4, with ex Elizabeth Chambers — checked into a Florida program for drug, alcohol and sex issues a month prior.
RELATED VIDEO: Armie Hammer’s Estranged Wife Elizabeth Chambers Breaks Silence on Ongoing Controversy
Earlier this month, Hammer’s lawyer told PEOPLE in a statement: “I can confirm that Mr. Hammerhas left the treatment facilityand is doing great.” A source told PEOPLE that Hammer “will continue with out-patient treatments” and that he “takes it very seriously.”
When Disney acquired Fox in 2019, the studio took overDeath on the Nileamong other projects. In a press release about the new trailer, 20th Century Studios production president Steve Asbell explained why Disney committed to the theatrical release.
“Ken’s sweeping, elegant vision for this classic story deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible. We’re so proud of this film, our brilliant cast, and the stellar work that went into bringingDeath on the Nileto screen,” said Asbell. “We know that audiences can’t wait to experience Hercule Poirot’s next adventure, and we’re thrilled to continue working with Ken as he lends his masterful storytelling vision to the newest film in this celebrated franchise.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.
source: people.com
