The Brink of War
2026 film by Michael Russell Gunn
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The Brink of War is an upcoming American historical political drama film written and directed by Michael Russell Gunn in his feature directorial debut. Set during the Reykjavík Summit of 1986, it stars Jeff Daniels, Jared Harris, and J. K. Simmons. The ensemble cast also includes Hope Davis, Branka Katić, Aya Cash, Guy Burnet, John Ross Bowie, Adrian Rawlins, and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson.
- Michael Russell Gunn
- John Logan Pierson
| The Brink of War | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Michael Russell Gunn |
| Written by | Michael Russell Gunn |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Magdalena Górka |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Austin Wintory |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Angel Studios |
Release date |
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Running time | 117 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The film is set to be released on August 14, 2026.
Cast
- Jeff Daniels as Ronald Reagan
- Jared Harris as Mikhail Gorbachev
- J. K. Simmons as George Shultz
- Hope Davis as Nancy Reagan
- Branka Katić as Raisa Gorbacheva
- Aya Cash as a journalist
- Guy Burnet as Alexander
- John Ross Bowie as Kenneth Adelman
- Adrian Rawlins as Max Kampelman
- Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Richard Perle
- Vladimir Kulich as Sergey Akhromeyev
- Stephen Brennan as Paul Nitze
Production
Development
Writer-director Michael Russell Gunn spent several years conducting research for the film. He interviewed former Secretary of State George Shultz before his 2021 death, and was also given transcripts from the 1986 summit.[2]
Casting
Jeff Daniels, Jared Harris, and J. K. Simmons joined the cast on August 5, 2024.[2][3] Hope Davis, Branka Katić, and Aya Cash joined the cast on October 15, 2024.[4][5] Guy Burnet, John Ross Bowie, Adrian Rawlins, and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson were announced as cast members on October 29, 2024.[6] In addition to ten main actors, the film employed over 100 supporting actors.[7]
Filming
Gunn was able to utilize Iceland's production rebate program to film on location.[8][9] Filming began on October 15, 2024, in Reykjavík.[4] The majority of filming took place at Höfði, the actual site of the 1986 summit, which cost ISK 6.3 million to rent from the city of Reykjavík.[10][9][11] Sæbraut, a local road in the city, was closed for filming purposes on October 19 and 26, 2024.[12][13] Additional filming locations included the Blue Lagoon, Skeggjastaðir, Mosfellsdalur, and Reykjanes.[12] Filming was expected to be completed by mid-November 2024.[14] Magdalena Górka served as the film's cinematographer.[8]
Pete Souza, who photographed the 1986 summit, also conducted the on-set photography for the film.[8]
Release
The Brink of War is set to be released by Angel Studios on August 14, 2026.[15]
