Wild Horse Nine is a 2026 black comedy film written and directed by Martin McDonagh. It stars John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, Tom Waits and Parker Posey, and follows two CIA officers sent from Santiago to Easter Island shortly before the 1973 Chilean coup.
The score comes from Carter Burwell, McDonagh’s longtime musical collaborator. It’s their first film together since The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), and it follows Burwell’s work on In Bruges (2008) and Seven Psychopaths (2012) with the director.
Wild Horse Nine Soundtrack Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Film Name | Wild Horse Nine |
| Writer & Director | Martin McDonagh |
| Cast | John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, Tom Waits, Parker Posey |
| Production Companies | Blueprint Pictures, Film4 |
| Distributor | Searchlight Pictures |
| Countries | United Kingdom, United States, Chile |
| Runtime | 118 minutes |
| World Premiere | September 3, 2026 (Venice Film Festival, main competition) |
| Theatrical Release | November 6, 2026 (United States and United Kingdom) |
| Composer | Carter Burwell |
Wild Horse Nine Soundtrack Overview
The film had its world premiere in competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2026, where it reportedly received a lengthy standing ovation. Searchlight Pictures will release it in U.S. and U.K. theaters on November 6.
Critics who saw the film at Venice have praised Burwell’s music alongside the performances. Time Out called it “a soulful Carter Burwell score” that “injects deeper melancholy into the goofy scenario,” while other reviews have described it as another melodic Burwell score that trades the moody ambiance of his earlier McDonagh work for a warmer, more earnest tone.
The premiere also kicked off awards-season buzz: John Malkovich has emerged as an early Best Actor contender, with Sam Rockwell also drawing attention for his performance, per Venice coverage from Deadline and Variety. This article covers only what’s confirmed so far and will be updated when a score album or full tracklist is released.
Who Composed the Wild Horse Nine Score?
Carter Burwell composed the score. Film Music Reporter confirmed in March 2026 that he was reteaming with McDonagh on the project.
Burwell’s other credits include Carol, Fargo, True Grit, Twilight, The Blind Side, Being John Malkovich, Burn After Reading, Anomalisa, Three Kings and To Catch a Killer. His score for Good Fortune (2025) was released shortly before this film.
He has now scored five of McDonagh’s features, and earned Academy Award nominations for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Banshees of Inisherin.
| Film | Year | Note |
|---|---|---|
| In Bruges | 2008 | First McDonagh feature scored by Burwell |
| Seven Psychopaths | 2012 | Score by Burwell |
| Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri | 2017 | Academy Award nomination |
| The Banshees of Inisherin | 2022 | Academy Award nomination |
| Wild Horse Nine | 2026 | Score by Burwell |
Wild Horse Nine Songs
| Song | Artist | Where It’s Used |
|---|---|---|
| “Island in the Sun” | Harry Belafonte | Plays over drone footage of the Rapa Nui coastline |
This is the only licensed song confirmed so far from published reviews. No full soundtrack album or additional song credits have been announced.
Wild Horse Nine Cast
- John Malkovich as Chris, a CIA officer and Lee’s mentor
- Sam Rockwell as Lee, a CIA officer and Chris’s protégé
- Steve Buscemi as MJ, the CIA bureau chief in Chile
- Tom Waits as Chris’s brother
- Parker Posey as Marge, Lee’s wife
- Mariana Di Girolamo and Ailín Salas as students Chris befriends on Easter Island
Where to Watch Wild Horse Nine
Wild Horse Nine opens in U.S. and U.K. theaters on November 6, 2026, distributed by Searchlight Pictures. No streaming or digital release date has been announced yet, and no official soundtrack album has been released — check back here for updates once either is confirmed.
Wild Horse Nine Soundtrack FAQs
Who composed the music for Wild Horse Nine?
Carter Burwell composed the score. He has worked with director Martin McDonagh on several earlier films.
When is Wild Horse Nine released?
It premiered at Venice on September 3, 2026, and opens in the U.S. and U.K. on November 6, 2026.
Which song is confirmed in the film?
“Island in the Sun” by Harry Belafonte is confirmed, per reviews from the Venice premiere.
Has Carter Burwell scored McDonagh’s earlier films?
Yes. He scored In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Banshees of Inisherin.
Is Wild Horse Nine an Oscar contender?
It’s an early one. After a lengthy standing ovation at its Venice premiere, John Malkovich emerged as an early Best Actor contender, with Sam Rockwell also drawing awards-season attention.
Is there a Wild Horse Nine soundtrack album?
Not yet. As of publication, no official score album or full tracklist has been released. This page will be updated once one is confirmed.
Where can I watch Wild Horse Nine?
In U.S. and U.K. theaters starting November 6, 2026, via Searchlight Pictures. No streaming date has been announced yet.
Related reading: Movie Soundtracks hub, To Catch a Killer Soundtrack (another Carter Burwell score), and our Streaming Guide for when new releases hit digital platforms.