FIRST LOOK: John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell in Martin McDonagh’s ‘Wild Horse Nine’

We have our first look (via Vanity Fair) at Martin McDonagh’s upcoming film “Wild Horse Nine” — set for theatrical release on November 6, 2026.

Much like his last two directorial efforts, we can expect McDonagh to premiere “Wild Horse Nine” at the Venice Film Festival in September before expanding to other fall festivals, most likely including TIFF. A Telluride bow seems less certain, as the festival has yet to screen any of McDonagh’s films.

This latest film is being described as a darkly comedic story placed in the politically charged climate of the 1970s just before Chile’s military coup. The movie follows two CIA agents, played by John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, as they embark on a mission that tests their complicated bond and implicates them in historical U.S. interventions.

Malkovich’s character, Chris, is an aging agent struggling with declining health, guilt, and the desire to write his memoir, while Rockwell’s Lee is his devoted but equally complex protégé. McDonagh crafted these roles with both actors in mind. The supporting cast includes Parker Posey, Steve Buscemi, Mariana di Girolamo, and Ailín Salas, with Tom Waits reprising a collaborative reunion with the director.

According to McDonagh, the story delves into the moral ambiguities of espionage, exploring how personal loyalty can conflict with professional duty. The interplay between Malkovich and Rockwell is central, with VF noting their chemistry as both tense and hilariously human.

The film also stands out visually, with cinematographer Ben Davis capturing the stark, almost mystical landscapes of Easter Island and Monument Valley. Costume design and production choices highlight the 1970s era. McDonagh has framed the project as both an homage to classic spy cinema and a meditation on memory, legacy, and the consequences of one’s actions in history’s shadow. Call it his ‘Secret Agent.’

McDonagh is coming off ‘Banshees of Inisherin,’ released in 2022, which received nine Oscar noms, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. His other works include “In Bruges,” “Seven Psychopaths” and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.”