Dead Man's Wire cast & characters: Meet the stars behind the film and the roles they play

Gus Van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire is scheduled to open theatrically in the United States on January 9, 2026, with a wide release expansion on January 16, 2026. The American historical crime drama is written by Austin Kolodney, based on the true 1977 Indianapolis hostage crisis involving Tony Kiritsis. The film draws partial inspiration from the 2018 documentary Dead Man’s Line, directed by Alan Berry and Mark Enochs.

Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Colman Domingo, Myha’la, and Al Pacino star in the film. Cary Elwes, Kelly Lynch, John Robinson, Todd Gable, Daniel R. Hill, Neil Mulac, Mark Helms, and Michael Ashcraft appear in supporting roles.

Main cast and characters of Dead Man’s Wire

1) Bill Skarsgård as Tony Kiritsis

A still of Bill Skarsgård’s character from Dead Man’s Wire (Image via Row K Entertainment)

Bill Skarsgård plays Tony Kiritsis, a real estate developer from Indianapolis who, in 1977, took his mortgage broker hostage following a financial dispute. The character is based on the real-life Tony Kiritsis, who became known for the highly publicized three-day standoff with police.

Skarsgård is a Swedish actor who began his career at an early age with his roles in White Water Fury and Simple Simon. He is recognized for his performances in The Divergent Series: Allegiant (2017), Barbarian (2022), and Boy Kills World (2024).

2) Dacre Montgomery as Richard Hall

A still of Dacre Montgomery’s character from Dead Man’s Wire (Image via Row K Entertainment)

Dacre Montgomery portrays Richard Hall, a young executive at Meridian Mortgage and the son of company founder M.L. Hall. He becomes Tony Kiritsis’ hostage during the standoff.

Montgomery is an Australian actor, best known for his role as Jason Scott in Power Rangers (2017). His other prominent works include Stranger Things, The Broken Hearts Gallery (2022), Went Up the Hill, and Elvis (2024).

3) Colman Domingo as Fred Temple

A still of Colman Domingo’s character from Dead Man’s Wire (Image via Row K Entertainment)

Colman Domingo plays Fred Temple, a local radio host who communicates with Tony Kiritsis during the hostage situation. The character reflects the media’s involvement in covering the event as it unfolded live.

Domingo is an American actor known for his work in Well (2005), Passing Strange (2008), The Scottsboro Boys (2011), Euphoria, Rustin (2023), The Color Purple (2023), and The Four Seasons (2025).

4) Myha’la as Linda Page

A still of Myha’la’s character from the movie (Image via Row K Entertainment)

Myha’la appears as Linda Page, a news reporter covering the hostage crisis. Her character observes and documents the evolving situation while navigating the competitive environment of 1970s broadcast journalism.

Myha’la is an American actress known for her role as Harper Stern in the TV series Industry. Her other notable works include Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022) and Leave the World Behind (2023).

5) Al Pacino as M.L. Hall

A still of Al Pacino’s character from Dead Man’s Wire (Image via Row K Entertainment)

Al Pacino portrays M.L. Hall, the president and founder of Meridian Mortgage Company, and the father of Richard Hall. The character is depicted as a key figure in the financial dispute that leads to Tony Kiritsis’ actions.

Pacino is an Oscar-winning actor, an HB Studio and the Actors Studio alumnus known for his role in Scent of a Woman (1992), The Godfather trilogy, Scarface (1983), Heat (1995), Insomnia (2002), Jack and Jill (2011), and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).