Gus Van Sant’s ‘Dead Man’s Wire’ Set for Theatrical Release

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Gus Van Sant’s latest film, Dead Man’s Wire, is generating buzz ahead of its release. This true crime thriller centers on Tony Kiritsis, who captivated America in 1977 when he kidnapped his mortgage broker, Dick Hall, using a sawed-off shotgun wired to his own neck.

The film, which debuted at the Venice International Film Festival to strong reviews, stars Bill Skarsgård as Kiritsis and Dacre Montgomery as Hall. The cast also includes Colman Domingo, Cary Elwes, Al Pacino, Myha’la, and Kelly Lynch.

Set against the backdrop of a tense hostage crisis in Indianapolis, the story unfolds as Kiritsis becomes an outlaw folk hero in the eyes of some, while the media frenzy intensifies. The film explores themes of desperation, justice, and moral ambiguity.

Dead Man’s Wire will launch in select theaters on January 9, 2026, with a nationwide release following on January 16. It will have an Oscar-qualifying run starting December 12, 2025.

After its strong debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film has received praise for both its performances and Van Sant’s ability to convey tension and humanity.

The screenwriting credit goes to Austin Kolodney, while the film is produced by Cassian Elwes, Joel David Moore, and others. Row K Entertainment, a new distribution company, is handling its release.