Gus Van Sant returns to the director’s chair with Dead Man’s Wire, a tense 1970s crime thriller that’s already generating Oscar buzz. This 2025 historical crime film stars Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Colman Domingo, Myha’la, Cary Elwes, John Robinson, and Al Pacino, bringing a true story to life with breathtaking performances.

Based on the shocking 1977 kidnapping by Tony Kiritsis, the film had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival and is set for theatrical release on January 16, 2026. Let’s dive into the stellar cast and the characters they portray.

Dead Man’s Wire Cast Overview

Actor	Character	Notable Works
Bill Skarsgård	Tony Kiritsis	Nosferatu, Barbarian, It
Dacre Montgomery	Richard Hall	Stranger Things, Power Rangers
Colman Domingo	Fred Temple	Rustin, Euphoria, The Color Purple
Myha’la	Linda Page	Industry, The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Al Pacino	M.L. Hall	The Godfather, Scarface, The Irishman
Cary Elwes	Supporting Role	The Princess Bride, Saw

Meet the Dead Man’s Wire Lead Stars

Bill Skarsgård as Tony Kiritsis

Skarsgård plays Tony Kiritsis, a real estate developer from Indianapolis who, in 1977, took his mortgage broker hostage following a financial dispute. The Swedish actor delivers what critics are calling a career-defining performance, balancing dark comedy with genuine menace.

Known for his chilling portrayal of Pennywise in the It franchise and his recent work in Nosferatu (2024), Skarsgård brings depth to a character who demands $5 million and an apology after being financially wronged.

Dacre Montgomery as Richard Hall

The Australian heartthrob, famous for playing Billy Hargrove in Netflix’s Stranger Things, takes on the role of the hostage—a mortgage company president caught in a three-day standoff. Montgomery is best known for his role as Jason Scott in Power Rangers (2017) and recently starred in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis.

Colman Domingo as Fred Temple

Domingo plays Fred Temple, a local radio host who communicates with Tony Kiritsis during the hostage situation, reflecting the media’s involvement as events unfolded live. The Emmy-nominated actor continues his impressive streak following critically acclaimed performances in Rustin and Euphoria.

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Supporting Cast Highlights

Myha’la as Linda Page

Myha’la appears as Linda Page, a news reporter covering the hostage crisis while navigating the competitive environment of 1970s broadcast journalism. The rising star from HBO’s Industry adds another compelling performance to her growing filmography.

Al Pacino’s Powerful Supporting Role

Legendary actor Al Pacino plays M.L. Hall, adding gravitas to this ensemble cast. Even in a supporting capacity, Pacino’s presence elevates every scene he’s in—a testament to Van Sant’s ability to attract A-list talent.

Why This Cast Works

The film had its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 2, 2025, where critics praised the ensemble’s chemistry. The mixing of established legends like Pacino with younger talent creates a dynamic that mirrors the film’s themes of generational conflict and systemic failure.

Van Sant’s guerrilla filmmaking style allowed for improvisation, resulting in authentic, spontaneous moments that make these characters feel lived-in and real. The production design captures the gritty analog tension of 1977 America, while the cast grounds every moment in emotional truth.

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Release Information

Dead Man’s Wire arrives in limited release on January 9, 2026, before expanding wide on January 16, 2026, distributed by Row K Entertainment. With 100% of 30 critics’ reviews positive on Rotten Tomatoes, this is one of 2026’s most anticipated releases.

Visit the official IMDb page for additional cast details and production information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who plays the main character in Dead Man’s Wire?

Bill Skarsgård stars as Tony Kiritsis, the desperate real estate developer who takes his mortgage banker hostage. Skarsgård delivers a nuanced performance that balances dark humor with genuine tension, earning widespread critical acclaim at festival screenings.

Is Dead Man’s Wire based on a true story?

Yes, the film depicts the real 1977 Indianapolis hostage crisis where Tony Kiritsis held Richard Hall captive for three days using a shotgun rigged with a “dead man’s wire.” The event was broadcast live and became a national media sensation, raising questions about financial exploitation and desperation.