VIDEO: Hugh Jackman’s Presidential Bid Gets Torpedoed by a Sex Scandal in ‘The Front Runner’ Official Trailer

Jason Reitman-directed dark comedy follows the failed real-life candidacy of U.S. Senator Gary Hart

August 30, 2018

Award-winning actor and past Stern Show guest Hugh Jackman plays a U.S. Senator whose run at the White House gets sidetracked by a sex scandal in “The Front Runner,” Jason Reitman’s upcoming biographical dark comedy about the failed presidential bid of Gary Hart.

The trailer (above) begins on a high note with Senator Hart smiling for the camera and announcing his intention to run for president while every newscaster on the airwaves declares him the 1988 election’s likely Democratic nominee.

“I’ve never known a guy more talented at untangling politics so that anyone can understand them. It is a gift, and he wants to share that,” campaign adviser Bill Dixon, played by Oscar-winning actor and 2016 Stern Show guest J.K. Simmons, explains to anyone who will listen (above).

As most will remember, however, Hart’s supposed smooth ride to the top eventually hit its share of potholes. The trailer hints at as much after tabloid reporters show up at his home and accuse him of cheating on his wife, Lee (“Bates Motel’s” Vera Farmiga). Soon enough it seems as if the wheels on Hart’s campaign bus are starting to come right off.

“The Front Runner” is the second film directed this year by Reitman, a 2008 Stern Show guest, following his critically acclaimed Charlize Theron dramedy “Tully.” The film also stars Alfred Molina, Sara Paxton, Spencer Garrett, Molly Ephraim, Mamoudou Athie, and 2017 Stern Show guest Bill Burr, who plays George McGovern.

“The Front Runner” hits theaters on Nov. 7, a.k.a. Election Day. Watch the official trailer (above).

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