Row K Entertainment has debuted the trailer for the upcoming crime drama Dead Man’s Wire, featuring Colman Domingo as Fred Temple. The film, centered on a tense hostage standoff, places the focus squarely on Colman Domingo Dead Man’s Wire and its depiction of a harrowing, real-life event.
Set for a limited theatrical run beginning December 12, 2025, Dead Man’s Wire will premiere widely in select theaters on January 9, 2026, with a major release set for January 16, 2026. This new Gus Van Sant-directed film premiered at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival, rapidly gaining attention with its high Rotten Tomatoes rating and heated audience response.
Intense Hostage Drama Unfolds in the Trailer
The newly released trailer spotlights Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Tony Kiritsis, a man who resorts to drastic measures after falling behind on his payments. In a disturbing sequence, Tony kidnaps his mortgage broker at gunpoint, insisting on an apology from those he believes wronged him. The national attention transforms Tony into a divisive figure, with some regarding him as a folk hero and others disturbed by his actions. The trailer also reveals tense radio communications between Tony and Fred Temple, played by Colman Domingo, as the stand-off becomes a media spectacle.
Based on a true story, the 1977 kidnapping of a prominent banker grips the nation and turns the abductor into an outlaw folk hero. As the media frenzy peaks, the standoff becomes a spectacle of desperation, defiance, and blurred justice, which resonates even today,
reads the movie’s official synopsis.
Cast, Crew, and Reception
Dead Man’s Wire is helmed by acclaimed director Gus Van Sant, best known for Good Will Hunting. The screenplay comes from Austin Kolodney. Alongside Colman Domingo and Bill Skarsgård, the film features Dacre Montgomery as Richard Hall, Cary Elwes as Detective Michael Grable, Myha’la as Linda Page, Al Pacino as M.L. Hall, Jordan Claire Robbins as Doreen, Daniel R. Hill as Jimmy Kiritsis, and more. The broad ensemble brings emotional depth to the gripping narrative.
The project is produced by an extensive team including Cassian Elwes, Mark Amin, Sam Pressman, Tom Culliver, Andrea Bucko, Billy Hines, Veronica Radaelli, Matt Murphie, Paula Paizes, Joel David Moore, Remi Alfallah, Noor Alfallah, Siena Oberman, and Gordon Clark. Since its Venice debut, the film boasts a remarkable 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting strong critical acclaim based on 34 early reviews.
Broader Significance and Anticipation
Drawing inspiration from the 1977 national kidnapping case, the film explores the complex lines between desperation and heroism, with Colman Domingo’s performance anchoring the emotional tension. As the release dates approach, interest in Dead Man’s Wire continues to grow, supported by the film’s festival accolades and thematic relevance. The story, involving figures like Jimmy Kiritsis and Michael Grable, echoes unresolved conflicts over justice and media sensationalism, promising a compelling experience for audiences when it arrives in theaters.
