Acclaimed actor Steve Buscemi has officially joined the cast of Martin McDonagh’s highly anticipated film Wild Horse Nine, stepping into a role previously held by Mark Ruffalo, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter (THR). The news, shared on X by NexusPointNews on March 11, 2025, has generated buzz among cinephiles, given the film’s star-studded lineup and McDonagh’s reputation for crafting dark, gripping narratives.
Wild Horse Nine, a Searchlight Pictures production, is set to explore a thrilling and dramatic story, though plot details remain under wraps. McDonagh, known for his Oscar-winning works like Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Banshees of Inisherin, is both writing and directing the project. The film also features a powerhouse cast, including Parker Posey, Sam Rockwell, and John Malkovich. Rockwell, a frequent collaborator with McDonagh, previously won a Supporting Actor Oscar for Three Billboards, while Malkovich and Ruffalo were set to make their big-screen debuts with the director before the recent casting shift.
Buscemi, recognized for his versatile performances in films like Fargo and Boardwalk Empire, brings his signature intensity to the project. The images accompanying the X post showcase Buscemi alongside Sam Rockwell, hinting at the film’s gritty aesthetic. The casting change comes after Christopher Walken and Oscar Isaac exited due to scheduling conflicts, with Ruffalo stepping in earlier this year before being replaced by Buscemi.
Produced by Blueprint Pictures and Film4, Wild Horse Nine promises to continue McDonagh’s tradition of blending dark humor with profound human drama. The film is overseen by Searchlight’s Taylor Friedman and Peter Spencer, with producers Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, and Anita Overland at the helm. While a release date has not been announced, the project is already generating excitement as another potential awards contender for McDonagh and his ensemble cast.
Fans and industry insiders are eagerly awaiting further updates on this intriguing thriller, set to showcase McDonagh’s unique storytelling paired with an exceptional lineup of talent.
