©picture alliance / NurPhoto | Image Press Agency
Elon Musk has given Armie Hammer’s comeback a major boost. The tech billionaire shared the new film “Citizen Vigilante” on X, instantly bringing director Uwe Boll’s controversial action film to a much wider audience. Boll had made the film available for free on the platform for 48 hours just before that.
“Citizen Vigilante” marks Hammer’s first leading role since his career came under fire in 2021 due to allegations of sexual misconduct. The actor has always denied these allegations. In 2023, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office ultimately decided not to file criminal charges due to insufficient evidence.
In the film, Hammer plays a wealthy American living in Croatia who takes the law into his own hands. His character targets violent criminals, rapists, and corrupt officials. It is particularly this mix of explicit violence and a story centered on immigration that makes the film highly controversial. In Germany, the film did not receive an age rating, effectively making distribution there impossible.
Musk spoke positively not only about the film itself but also about a possible sequel. On X, he wrote that Citizen Vigilante 2 will be “even better.” Boll has since confirmed that a sequel is in development, with a 2027 release targeted.
Reactions to the film are sharply divided. Variety called the thriller “violent, incoherent, and morally bankrupt,” while viewers and online discussions have been much more favorable. Thanks to Musk’s support, the film has already become one of the most talked-about releases of the summer.
©picture alliance / NurPhoto | Image Press Agency