Acclaimed actor Steve Buscemi has officially signed on to join Martin McDonagh’s upcoming dark comedic drama, Wild Horse Nine. Buscemi, known for his roles in Reservoir Dogs, Fargo, and Boardwalk Empire, will be stepping into a role initially meant for Mark Ruffalo. The film, which features an already impressive ensemble cast including Sam Rockwell, John Malkovich, and Parker Posey, is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated projects in production.
But what exactly is Wild Horse Nine about? That remains a mystery.
Mysterious Plot, A Remote Location, and a Visionary Director
While plot details are being kept tightly under wraps, what is known is that the film will be directed by Martin McDonagh, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Banshees of Inisherin. McDonagh, known for his masterful blend of dark comedy, sharp dialogue, and intense character studies, has built a reputation for crafting films that are both thought-provoking and wildly entertaining.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the project is its filming location—Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island. Located over 2,000 miles off the coast of Chile, this remote and sparsely inhabited island is famous for its massive stone statues called Moai. Despite its cultural significance, few international productions have dared to shoot there. The island is managed as a national park, limiting modern conveniences, which could make for an interesting and challenging production process.
Buscemi’s Role: What We Know So Far
Buscemi’s role in Wild Horse Nine is currently a mystery, as with most details about the film. However, the casting swap with Ruffalo suggests it is a significant part. Given Buscemi’s history of portraying quirky, morally ambiguous, and offbeat characters, fans can expect something compelling and unexpected.
His presence in a McDonagh film also makes perfect sense. The director’s past works are filled with eccentric, deeply flawed, and magnetic characters—something Buscemi has consistently brought to life on screen. The actor’s ability to seamlessly navigate between comedic and dramatic roles is likely to thrive in McDonagh’s signature style.
Martin McDonagh’s Return After ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
This is McDonagh’s first feature film since The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), which earned multiple Academy Award nominations and critical acclaim. His unique storytelling approach, blending dark humor with raw human emotion, has solidified his position among modern cinema’s top auteurs.
McDonagh’s last two films (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Banshees of Inisherin) have been particularly successful in award circuits. With Wild Horse Nine in the works, industry observers are already speculating whether this film could continue that trend.
Production Details: The Team Behind the Film
The film is being produced by Graham Broadbent and Pete Czernin, who have been frequent collaborators with McDonagh. The duo, through their production company Blueprint Pictures, played a crucial role in bringing Three Billboards and The Banshees of Inisherin to life.
Other production partners include Film4, a British production company known for its support of auteur-driven projects, and Searchlight Pictures, which will distribute the film. Searchlight has been a long-time home for McDonagh’s films, recognizing his signature blend of dark storytelling and award-worthy filmmaking.
Searchlight’s production executives Taylor Friedman and Pete Spencer are overseeing the film, ensuring it maintains the director’s unique vision.
Steve Buscemi’s Recent Career Moves
Buscemi remains one of Hollywood’s most respected and versatile actors. Known for his ability to bring depth to any role—be it dramatic, comedic, or unsettling—his filmography spans decades of high-quality work.
Most recently, he appeared in Transformers One, providing the voice for Starscream, and he has been announced to star alongside Jenna Ortega in Netflix’s Wednesday. Buscemi has also made his mark as a director, with The Listener premiering at the 2022 Venice Film Festival. Over the years, he has directed episodes of 30 Rock, Portlandia, and Miracle Workers, showcasing his talent behind the camera as well.
With Wild Horse Nine, Buscemi continues to add to his already rich and diverse career, stepping into yet another project filled with both top-tier talent and creative storytelling.
What This Means for Fans of Martin McDonagh’s Films
For fans of McDonagh, the anticipation for Wild Horse Nine is growing by the day. The combination of his sharp-witted script, a striking and rarely-used filming location, and the involvement of some of Hollywood’s most seasoned actors suggests the film will have all the makings of another modern classic.
Steve Buscemi’s addition only adds more excitement. His ability to bring an unsettling charm to his characters and his sharp comedic timing make him a perfect fit for McDonagh’s storytelling style. Whether he’ll be playing a morally dubious antihero, a villain, or something completely unexpected, his performance is sure to be another highlight in an already stellar career.
As production kicks off, more details are expected to be unveiled. But for now, Wild Horse Nine stands as one of 2025’s most intriguing film projects—one that cinephiles, McDonagh enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates unconventional storytelling should keep on their radar.
Will this be another award-season darling? Only time will tell. But with the elements in place, it’s safe to say that Wild Horse Nine is on the path to becoming something special.