Wild Horse Nine Premieres at Venice Film Festival
The Martin McDonagh film stars Steve Buscemi, John Malkovich, and Sam Rockwell.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Film — General
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The new film Wild Horse Nine made its debut at the historic Hotel Danieli in Venice. Directed by Martin McDonagh, the political drama features Steve Buscemi in a central role.
Why it matters
The film explores complex political themes through the perspective of a CIA bureau chief operating in Chile during the pivotal year of 1973. It arrives after a decade-long development period for the script.
The production represents a significant creative project following a 10-year development cycle. Actor Steve Buscemi, currently 68, leads the cast in the role of MJ.
The players
Steve Buscemi
He is a 68-year-old actor who portrays the character MJ in the film.
Martin McDonagh
He is the director responsible for bringing the script of Wild Horse Nine to the screen.
John Malkovich
He is an actor featured in the ensemble cast of the film.
Sam Rockwell
He is an actor who appears alongside Buscemi and Malkovich in the production.
The details
Steve Buscemi plays MJ, a CIA bureau chief in Chile tasked with orchestrating a coup against President Salvador Allende. He is joined by an ensemble cast including John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell.
Timeline
The plot of the film is set in Chile during 1973.
The film will begin its general release in cinemas on November 6, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The film connects to the historical narrative of the 1973 Chilean coup d'état by using the real-world political upheaval as the foundation for its fictional plot. It marks a return to high-stakes historical drama for director Martin McDonagh.
Viewers can see the finished production in cinemas starting November 6, 2026. The film's theatrical release marks the end of a ten-year development period for the script.
The takeaway
The film provides a fictionalized look at a significant moment in 20th-century political history through the eyes of a CIA operative. Audiences interested in political dramas can look forward to its wide release in early November.
Further reading
Learn more about upcoming cinema releases in the Film — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Financial Times News.
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