Wild Horse Nine

Wild Horse Nine — Release Date: 6 November 2026. Directed by Martin McDonagh, starring John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, Tom Waits and Parker Posey. Written and directed by McDonagh, the British black comedy is produced for Searchlight Pictures alongside Blueprint Pictures and Film4.

Set shortly before the 1973 Chilean coup, Wild Horse Nine follows CIA officers Chris and Lee, who are sent from Santiago to Easter Island by their superior, MJ. Operating within a politically unstable environment, the two agents arrive on the remote island while carrying unresolved tensions tied to their shared past and ongoing assignments.

Against the backdrop of Easter Island’s iconic statues and isolated landscape, the narrative explores the evolving relationship between the two operatives as they become entangled in conspiracies and personal conflicts. The mission begins to shift direction when Chris forms an unexpected connection with two rebellious students, introducing new complications into the already volatile situation.

John Malkovich portrays Chris, an aging CIA officer, while Sam Rockwell plays Lee, his longtime protégé and partner. Steve Buscemi appears as MJ, a senior CIA figure stationed in Chile. The ensemble cast also includes Tom Waits as Chris’ brother and Parker Posey as Lee’s wife, alongside Mariana di Girolamo and Ailín Salas as the students central to the unfolding events.

Directed by Martin McDonagh, the film marks his return to feature filmmaking following The Banshees of Inisherin. Known for blending dark humor with character-driven storytelling, McDonagh situates the narrative within a politically charged historical period while maintaining a focus on interpersonal dynamics and moral ambiguity.

Principal photography began in March 2025 on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), before continuing across locations in Santiago, Chile. The production integrates real-world historical context with fictional characters and events, combining elements of espionage, black comedy and psychological drama.

Wild Horse Nine is scheduled for theatrical release on 6 November 2026 by Searchlight Pictures.