Entertainment · Film · 3 hrs ago
John Malkovich takes a leading role in ‘Wild Horse Nine’
John Malkovich stars in ‘Wild Horse Nine’, a film written by Martin McDonagh that opened in select theaters on November 6.
Malkovich said he had admired McDonagh’s writing and accepted the role as soon as it was offered.
He plays Chris, an older CIA figure described as a wild card who is said to have killed 168 people.
Sam Rockwell plays Lee, a character Malkovich described as more reserved, and Malkovich praised Rockwell as a generous acting partner.
The film drew sustained applause at the Venice Film Festival before screening at the Telluride and Toronto film festivals.
Malkovich’s performance has put him among early contenders for a third Oscar nomination, after two previous nominations for supporting roles.
The film is now playing in select theaters after its November 6 opening.
John Malkovich plays the lead role in “Wild Horse Nine,” directed by Martin McDonagh.
Malkovich said he accepted the role without hesitation after reading the screenplay.
Sam Rockwell and Steve Buscemi also appear in the film.
The movie screened at the Venice, Telluride and Toronto film festivals.
Searchlight Pictures opened the film in select theaters on November 6, 2026.
- Who
- John Malkovich stars in the lead role, alongside Sam Rockwell and Steve Buscemi.
- What
- Malkovich plays Chris in “Wild Horse Nine,” a film directed by Martin McDonagh.
- When
- Searchlight Pictures opened the film in select theaters on November 6, 2026.
- Where
- The film screened at the Venice, Telluride and Toronto film festivals.
- Why
- Malkovich said he thought the screenplay was great and agreed to take the role without hesitation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The film screened at the festival, where Malkovich, Sam Rockwell and Martin McDonagh received sustained applause.
The film screened in Telluride, where Malkovich took part in an interview and a tribute.
The film screened at the Toronto International Film Festival ahead of its release.
Searchlight Pictures opened the film in select theaters.
- Director
- Martin McDonagh
- Lead role
- John Malkovich plays Chris
- Other cast members
- Sam Rockwell and Steve Buscemi
- Theater release
- November 6, 2026
- Oscar nominations
- Malkovich had two previous nominations, both for Supporting Actor: in 1985 and 1993
What people are saying
It’s a juicy lead.
I thought the thing was great. Beautiful piece of writing, just a perfect screenplay, and I couldn’t believe I got sent it.
Sam is an exceptionally generous actor, as generous as you could ever find, you couldn’t ask for a better partner in every way.