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'Wild Horse Nine' Starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell Set for November 6 Release

Director Martin McDonagh's latest film, featuring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell as CIA agents in 1973 Chile, is set to open in theaters on November 6, 2026.

Published November 3, 2026 at 1:07 PM EST

The short answer

Director Martin McDonagh's latest film, featuring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell as CIA agents in 1973 Chile, is set to open in theaters on November 6, 2026.

'Wild Horse Nine' Starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell Set for November 6 Release

The Facts

Who
Director Martin McDonagh and actors John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, and Steve Buscemi
What
Theatrical release of the film Wild Horse Nine
When
November 6, 2026
Where
Theaters nationwide
Why
The film represents the latest work from an award-winning director and features a high critical approval rating ahead of its commercial release.

The film "Wild Horse Nine," a dark comedy written and directed by Martin McDonagh, is scheduled for theatrical release on November 6, 2026. Starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, the movie follows two CIA agents on a mission that takes them from Santiago to Easter Island during 1973 in Chile.

The production marks a continuation of McDonagh’s work in the dark comedy and thriller genres following his previous film, "The Banshees of Inisherin." Produced for a 2026 release, the film features a cast of established American actors alongside Chilean performers, including Mariana di Girolamo and Bastián Bodenhöfer.

The plot centers on agents Chris (Malkovich) and Lee (Rockwell), who are sent to Easter Island by their bureau chief, MJ, played by Steve Buscemi. Set shortly before the 1973 Chilean coup, the story involves the partners confronting their pasts and various conspiracies while interacting with a pair of rebellious students, played by di Girolamo and Ailín Salas. The cast also includes Tom Waits as Chris’s brother and Parker Posey as Marge.

For the general audience, the movie offers a 1-hour and 58-minute narrative that blends history with fictionalized espionage. Viewers will see a portrayal of 1973 Chile and Rapa Nui (Easter Island), providing a commercial representation of the period leading up to the Chilean coup. The R-rated content, featuring what critics describe as McDonagh's trademark "snarky" and "provocative" dialogue, indicates the film is intended for adult audiences.

The film has already secured five wins and six nominations during its early festival or awards circuit run, according to IMDb. This critical reception sets a precedent for McDonagh's standing in the industry following his award-winning 2022 film. Moving forward, the movie's commercial performance will be tracked starting November 6, 2026, when showtimes begin in theaters across various regions. Audience scores on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes are expected to populate following the official release date.

Timeline of what happened

Key dates and decisions, in the order they occurred.

  1. November 3, 2026

    Associated Press review published

  2. November 6, 2026

    Scheduled theatrical release date

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Questions readers ask

What happened: 'Wild Horse Nine' Starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell Set for November 6 Release?

The film "Wild Horse Nine," a dark comedy written and directed by Martin McDonagh, is scheduled for theatrical release on November 6, 2026. Starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, the movie follows two CIA agents on a mission that takes them from Santiago to Easter Island during 1973 in Chile.

Who is involved?

Director Martin McDonagh and actors John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, and Steve Buscemi

When did this happen?

November 6, 2026

Where did this happen?

Theaters nationwide

Why does this matter?

The film represents the latest work from an award-winning director and features a high critical approval rating ahead of its commercial release.