Archive · 3 Sep 2026
'Wild Horse Nine' Enters Awards Race After Venice Premiere
Wild Horse Nine is a new dark comedy directed by Martin McDonagh.
It was shown to journalists at the Venice Film Festival.
The filmmakers and actors received a very warm response.
John Malkovich plays one of two CIA agents in the story.
The agents travel from Santiago to Easter Island just before Chile’s 1973 coup.
The movie also stars Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi and Parker Posey.
Malkovich is being mentioned as a possible Oscar contender.
McDonagh said the story was partly inspired by his interest in the CIA and Chilean history.
Searchlight plans to release the film on November 6, 2026.
Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy Wild Horse Nine received a rapturous reception at its Venice press conference.
John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi and Parker Posey are among the film’s cast.
Malkovich is being discussed as a potential Best Actor contender after two previous Oscar nominations.
Set before Chile’s 1973 coup, the film follows CIA agents sent from Santiago to Easter Island.
Searchlight has scheduled Wild Horse Nine for release on November 6, 2026.
- Who
- Director Martin McDonagh and actors including John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi and Parker Posey.
- What
- Wild Horse Nine premiered for Venice press screenings and generated strong awards-season discussion.
- When
- The film was presented at Venice; its scheduled release date is November 6, 2026.
- Where
- The film launched at the Lido and is set partly in Santiago and Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui.
- Why
- McDonagh said his inspiration included a fascination with the CIA and the fate of Chile’s government under Salvador Allende.
- Director
- Martin McDonagh
- Leading cast
- John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi and Parker Posey
- Setting
- Just before Chile’s 1973 coup
- Story premise
- Two CIA agents travel from Santiago to Easter Island while confronting pasts and conspiracies.
- Venice reception
- The filmmakers and cast received a rapturous welcome at the press conference.
- Release date
- November 6, 2026
- Production distinction
- The film was described as only the second ever to film on Easter Island/Rapa Nui.