By Any Means (2026) Tells the Incredible True Story of an FBI Agent and a Mafia Hitman

The true-story-inspired film stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Mark Wahlberg.

Some investigations change history. Others force people to question how far they’re willing to go in pursuit of justice.

The first trailer for By Any Means has arrived, teasing a gripping historical crime thriller inspired by true events. Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1960s Mississippi, the film follows an unlikely partnership between a young Black FBI agent and a notorious mafia hitman as they investigate a series of brutal murders targeting civil rights leaders.

Leading the cast are Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Mark Wahlberg, who play two men separated by background, ideology, and experience but united by a mission that quickly becomes far more dangerous than either expected.

According to the official synopsis, the story centers on an ambitious FBI agent sent into Mississippi during one of the most volatile periods in American history. Faced with a system unable—or unwilling—to deliver justice, he is forced to work alongside Gregory Scarpa, a feared mafia enforcer with his own methods of getting results.

The trailer immediately establishes a tense atmosphere filled with political unrest, violent confrontations, and difficult moral choices. As the investigation deepens, the line between justice and vengeance begins to blur, leaving both men to decide how far they are willing to go to stop the violence.

Directed by Elegance Bratton and written by Sascha Penn, By Any Means also features an impressive supporting cast that includes Nicole Beharie, Josh Lucas, LisaGay Hamilton, LaChanze, Ethan Embry, David Strathairn, and Giancarlo Esposito as civil rights leader Vernon Dahmer.

The film’s strongest hook may be its central partnership. The idea of an FBI agent and a mafia hitman working together sounds almost unbelievable, which makes the true-story inspiration behind the film even more compelling. Combined with the historical setting and emotionally charged subject matter, By Any Means appears poised to deliver both suspense and powerful drama.

Paramount Pictures will release the film exclusively in theaters this September.

Who’s in the cast of By Any Means?

The cast of By Any Means includes an acclaimed lineup of award-winning actors and fan-favorite stars as the historical crime thriller brings a gripping true-crime-inspired story to the big screen.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Watchmen, Aquaman) stars as a young Black FBI agent who is drawn into a dangerous investigation surrounding the murders of civil rights leaders in 1960s Mississippi.

Mark Wahlberg (The Departed, The Fighter) plays Gregory Scarpa, the notorious real-life mafia hitman who unexpectedly teams up with an FBI agent to track down those responsible for the killings.

Nicole Beharie (The Morning Show, Sleepy Hollow) also stars in the film, adding another powerful performer to the ensemble cast.

Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian) portrays Vernon Dahmer, the legendary civil rights leader whose fight for justice made him a key figure in the movement.

Josh Lucas (Yellowstone, Ford v Ferrari) joins the cast alongside David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck, Nomadland), both bringing decades of acclaimed acting experience to the historical drama.

Ethan Embry (Grace and Frankie, Sweet Home Alabama), LisaGay Hamilton (The Practice, Winning Time), and LaChanze (The Color Purple, The Help) round out the ensemble cast.

With a cast packed with acclaimed actors and an extraordinary story inspired by real events, By Any Means is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated historical crime dramas of 2026.

A dangerous mission, a shocking true story, and an all-star cast come together in , the upcoming crime thriller inspired by real events from the American South during the 1960s.

Led by Mark Wahlberg and Sterling K. Brown, the film explores a high-stakes manhunt where unlikely allies are forced to work together in pursuit of justice.

With its mix of history, crime, and suspense, By Any Means is already drawing attention as one of the most intriguing true-story-inspired dramas on the horizon.

When Does By Any Means Release?

By Any Means releases in theaters on September 26, 2026.

The film is expected to receive a wide theatrical release across the United States.

A determined investigator studies a case file late at night as the hunt for a dangerous suspect intensifies.

Where Can You Watch By Any Means?

By Any Means will debut exclusively in theaters.

Streaming and digital release plans have not yet been announced.

What Is By Any Means About?

Set in the 1960s, the story follows a Black FBI agent and a tough local operative who join forces to track down members of the Ku Klux Klan responsible for violent crimes in the American South.

As the investigation deepens, both men must navigate danger, corruption, and racial tensions while pursuing justice at any cost.

A car speeds down a deserted Southern highway as investigators race toward their next lead.

Who Stars in By Any Means?

The film stars Mark Wahlberg and Sterling K. Brown in the lead roles.

The supporting cast includes several acclaimed performers, helping bring this tense historical crime story to life.

Is By Any Means Based on a True Story?

Yes. By Any Means is inspired by real events and draws from true incidents connected to investigations into violent white supremacist groups during the Civil Rights era.

While some characters and story elements may be dramatized for the film, the movie is rooted in historical events and the pursuit of justice during one of America’s most turbulent periods.

A tense meeting unfolds inside a government office as investigators plan their next move.

Combining a compelling true-story foundation, strong performances, and a timely historical backdrop, By Any Means has the potential to become one of 2026’s most powerful crime dramas.