( EW.com ) -- EW has confirmed that embattled indie `` Killer Joe '' has set a release date , as Deadline first reported . Matthew McConaughey 's trailer-park noir found itself in an appeals imbroglio this March when the MPAA slapped an NC-17 rating on it for scenes involving drug use , nudity , violence , and graphic sexuality , to name a few . Despite losing that fight , `` Joe '' will hit theaters unchanged on July 27 . William Friedkin directed the film based on Pulitzer winner Tracy Letts ' play . McConaughey plays the title character , a police officer who works overtime as a hitman . A small-time drug dealer ( Emile Hirsch ) solicits Joe 's services to off his mother for her insurance money , and Joe takes a special liking to the dealer 's younger sister ( Juno Temple ) . Gina Gershon , and Thomas Haden Church also star . See the full article at EW.com . CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved .
` Pulitzer is set to release on July 27 . In July 27 the Time Inc. slapped an NC-17 rating on the movie . Tracy Letts ' directed the film based on Pulitzer winner William Friedkin play .