Bill Skarsgård Is an Unlikely Hero in Trailer for ’70s Kidnapping Thriller

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The first trailer for Bill Skarsgård‘s new movie, Dead Man’s Wire, is out now, and it packs a lot of intensity into its short 53 seconds. Though brief, it’s enough to grab viewers’ attention and make them want to know more. Dead Man’s Wire has already been well-received at film festivals, earning positive feedback from both critics and audiences. The film, directed by , is based on the true story of Tony Kiritsis and the hostage situation he created in the 1970s.

The film Dead Man’s Wire is based on the 2018 documentary Dead Man’s Line, which recounts the events of a hostage situation. Directed by Alan Berry and Mark Enochs, the documentary provides multiple perspectives on the incident. The movie emphasizes its true story roots, advertising itself as a “revolution that was televised.” It stars Bill Skarsgård as a man who believes the American financial system disadvantages people like him, and who resorts to kidnapping his bank’s mortgager to make a point. Dead Man’s Wire first screened at the Venice International Film Festival and will have a limited release on January 9, 2026, followed by a wider release on January 16.

The teaser trailer immediately stands out thanks to its incredible cast, featuring impressive performances from Bill Skarsgård, Colman Domingo, and Cary Elwes, hinting at a suspenseful and gripping movie. What’s particularly compelling is how the trailer portrays Skarsgård’s character, Tony, as a flawed and sympathetic individual driven by a desire for justice – both for himself and for a bigger purpose. It’s a strong teaser that should build anticipation for the full trailer and the film’s release early next year.

‘Dead Man’s Wire’ is Gus Van Sant’s First Film Since 2018

With Dead Man’s Wire, director Gus Van Sant returns after a seven-year hiatus since his last film in 2018. Known for acclaimed movies like Good Will Hunting (1997), starring Robin Williams and Matt Damon, and Milk (2008) with Sean Penn, Van Sant’s decision to direct this new film is a strong indicator of its quality. He has a knack for telling true stories well, and audiences can expect an engaging and thoughtful approach to the subject matter.

Early reviews for the film Dead Man’s Wire are already available thanks to its festival screenings, giving audiences a sense of what to expect. As of October 2025, the movie has a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 30 critic reviews. Reviewers have praised the film as both “gripping and funny,” and are celebrating it as a successful return to directing for Gus Van Sant, who hadn’t directed a film in some time. Following a short, intriguing preview, fans are eager to see a full trailer showcasing the film’s talented cast and skillful direction.

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2025-10-29 14:47