Ben Affleck’s critically acclaimed film Argo, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, will be available to Hulu subscribers starting August 1. The 2012 political spy thriller tells the true story of a daring CIA operation to rescue six Americans trapped during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. This release follows Affleck’s recent return to action with The Accountant 2, where he reunited with Jon Bernthal for a new high-stakes adventure.
The Real-Life Story Behind ‘Argo’
Argo is based on Tony Mendez’s memoir, The Master of Disguise, and a 2007 Wired article authored by Joshua Bearman titled
“The Great Escape: How the CIA Used a Fake Sci-Fi Flick to Rescue Americans from Tehran.”
The film dramatizes how Mendez, portrayed by Affleck, pretended to be a Hollywood sci-fi film producer scouting locations in Iran. His mission was to extract six U.S. embassy staff members who had escaped capture by militants during the hostage crisis.
Star-Studded Cast Brings the Espionage Drama to Life
Alongside Affleck, Argo features a notable ensemble cast including Bryan Cranston, known for his role in Breaking Bad, and Titus Welliver from Bosch. The actors bring depth to the intense story of espionage as they portray characters involved in the elaborate scheme that creates a fake movie production to mask the Americans’ escape plan. The film highlights the tension and risk faced by everyone involved in the operation, blending suspense with historical events.
The Legacy and Significance of ‘Argo’
Argo remains a powerful depiction of courage and ingenuity during one of the most volatile moments in U.S.-Iran relations. Its arrival on Hulu gives a new generation of viewers access to this gripping story of survival and diplomacy. With Disney owning the streaming platform, the film joins a growing collection that spotlights real-world events through thrilling cinematic storytelling. Viewers can expect a tense, reflective experience as they watch how appearance and deception played critical roles in saving lives.
