Bob Odenkirk, known for his role in Better Call Saul and the action film Nobody, will return as a leading figure in the upcoming crime thriller Normal. This new project, connected to the creative mind behind the John Wick franchise, is scheduled for release on April 17, 2026, with a wide theatrical rollout across 2,000 venues, marking the largest release for Magnolia Pictures.
Normal places Odenkirk in the role of Sheriff Ulysses, stationed in Normal, a small Midwestern town. The story intensifies when a robbery spirals out of control, uncovering hidden dangers that thrust Ulysses into a desperate battle for survival against foes ranging from his own deputies to the Yakuza crime syndicate.
A Deeper Look at ‘Normal’ Reveals a Complex Small-Town Conflict
The film, directed by Ben Wheatley and penned by John Wick creator Derek Kolstad, explores themes of betrayal and survival in an initially peaceful town shattered by crime. Ulysses’ transfer to Normal was supposed to provide relief from personal and professional struggles, but the botched heist reveals a sinister reality lurking beneath the town’s surface.
Critics responded positively to Normal during its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this year, reflected in its 83% Rotten Tomatoes rating based on 23 reviews. The ensemble cast includes Henry Winkler as the Mayor, Lena Headey as Moira, alongside Ryan Allen, Billy MacLellan, Brendan Fletcher, Peter Shinkoda, and Jess McLeod.
“For Sheriff Ulysses (Bob Odenkirk), his provisional posting to the quaint Midwestern American town of Normal was meant to be a welcome respite from both his marital woes and recent moral injuries in the line of duty. But when a botched bank robbery interrupts the municipality’s tranquil pace, a sordid secret is inadvertently exposed and Ulysses learns that the town is anything but its namesake. Suddenly everyone is trying to shoot the sheriff, even his own deputies, and our put-upon policeman must rely on his affable mettle and some motley crooks if he is to survive the night. (And that’s all before the Yakuza show up).”
How Sheriff Ulysses Differs from Odenkirk’s Previous Action Roles
Despite surface similarities in the titles, Bob Odenkirk clarifies that his role in Normal presents a very different kind of action hero compared to Nobody. Speaking to Esquire, he explained that Sheriff Ulysses is essentially an ordinary man grappling with the consequences of past errors, rather than a simmering, volatile figure consumed by buried rage.
“The guy in Nobody is a powder keg who is more of a twisted soul. We feel the weight that he is carrying around all the time when he’s not exploding. He is stuffing all of his wild feelings inside. And the guy in Normal is probably more of a normal guy. He’s trying to do his job, and he’s trying to give people room to be human. He’s for sure a little gun-shy. He’s made a mistake before misjudging people, and now he is so hesitant to take action that he almost misses the thing that’s going on in front of him. His instincts tell him something’s wrong in his town. And when he asks a question—‘How’d you raise that kind of money?’—he accepts a nonanswer.”
This portrayal highlights Ulysses’ vulnerability and cautious approach, enhancing the character’s relatability as he confronts escalating dangers in Normal.
Anticipating the Intense Action and Dramatic Suspense in ‘Normal’
Though the sheriff faces violent challenges—with bullets flying and enemies emerging from unexpected corners—the story centers on his internal conflicts and efforts to protect a community rife with deception. The presence of the Yakuza adds an international crime element, raising the stakes far beyond the town’s borders.
Fans of Bob Odenkirk’s action and dramatic work will have the opportunity to experience his performance in theaters on April 17, 2026, when Normal officially releases nationwide. The film’s strong cast and compelling plot are expected to engage audiences looking for a thriller that blends tense action with nuanced character development.
Principal Cast of ‘Normal’ and Their Roles
Bob Odenkirk leads the cast as Sheriff Ulysses, delivering a performance that balances grit and humanity. Henry Winkler appears as the town’s Mayor, with Lena Headey portraying Moira, adding depth to the story’s local dynamics. Supporting roles include Ryan Allen, Billy MacLellan, Brendan Fletcher, Peter Shinkoda, and Jess McLeod, each contributing to the ensemble that brings the film’s chilling narrative to life.
