Dead Man’s Wire arrives on Netflix in May The true-crime drama Dead Man’s Wire is set to expand its reach with a streaming debut on Netflix. The film will be available for streaming on May 28, 2026, as reported by What’s on Netflix. Led by Bill Skarsgård, the film shifts to digital platforms months after a strong festival showing and positive critical response.

Before its digital release, the film opened in U.S. theaters on January 9, 2026. Directed by Gus Van Sant and written by Austin Kolodney, the project draws from a real-life hostage crisis. The story follows Tony Kiritsis, portrayed by Skarsgård, an Indianapolis resident who takes drastic action after claiming he was wronged in a commercial real estate deal involving a mortgage firm.

On February 8, 1977, he enters the office of Richard Hall and held him hostage using a sawed-off shotgun rigged with a “dead man’s wire” connected from the trigger to Hall’s neck. The setup ensures that any attempt to subdue him would immediately discharge the weapon, raising the stakes of any intervention. The situation then escalates into a 63-hour standoff that captures national attention as it is broadcast live across the country.

During this time, Kiritsis communicates his demands and justifications both to law enforcement and the public. The film features a supporting cast that includes Dacre Montgomery as Richard Hall, Cary Elwes as Detective Michael Grable, Myha’la as Linda Page, Colman Domingo as Fred Temple, and Al Pacino as M.L. Hall.

The film has been well received by critics, holding a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 162 reviews. Audience reception has also been solid, with a 77% score on Popcornmeter.