Is it hot in here or is it just that copy of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment you set on fire?

In a new teaser for Fahrenheit 451 which debuts on HBO this spring, we see a copy of Crime and Punishment set on fire atop a pile of books that also includes titles like Lolita and Things Fall Apart. Though Ray Bradbury’s classic was first published in 1953, many have noted that it seemed to predict much about the future and the story’s themes of technology, reading, and censorship have only become more and more relevant. We saw Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale and George Orwell’s 1984 suddenly top bestseller lists last year, so now that we’re banning words it’s time for Fahrenheit 451 to shine.

The synopsis from HBO reads:

Michael B. Jordan and Michael Shannon star in HBO Films’ FAHRENHEIT 451. Directed by Ramin Bahrani (“99 Homes”) and written by Bahrani & Amir Naderi (“Vegas: Based on a True Story”), the film is based on Ray Bradbury’s classic novel of the same name, depicting a future where the media is an opiate, history is rewritten and “firemen” burn books. The film debuts this spring, exclusively on HBO.”

Jordan will portray the young fireman Guy Montag and Shannon will play fire captain Beatty. Sofia Boutella will also star as Clarisse, an informant “caught between the competing interests”, and Lilly Singh will play Raven, “a tabloid reporter who works with the fire department to spread the ministry’s propaganda by broadcasting its book-burning raids to fans.”

The first looks at Shannon, Jordan, and Boutella are gorgeous with an abundance of blue and red.

.@michaelb4jordan & Michael Shannon star in #Fahrenheit451, based on Ray Bradbury’s classic novel depicting a future where media is an opiate, history is outlawed, and “firemen” burn books. More info: https://t.co/KfdSja280D #TCA18 pic.twitter.com/QbaCXqQOM0

— HBO PR (@HBOPR) January 11, 2018

Director Bahrani says, “I have always loved Ray Bradbury’s prophetic novel Fahrenheit 451. Two years ago, as I looked at the world around me, it seemed like the ideal time to do a modern interpretation. I am grateful to HBO for helping me bring my vision of the film to audiences with this incredible cast.”

Are you looking forward to a Fahrenheit 451 for modern times?

(image: screencap)

Want more stories like this? Become a subscriber and support the site!

—The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—

The Mary Sue