Wild Horse Nine is Martin McDonagh’s fifth feature film and the largest Hollywood production ever shot in Rapa Nui. John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell portray two CIA agents who travel from Santiago to the island in 1973, weeks prior to the military coup in Chile.
We work every day at the exact sites where the movie was filmed. That is why we put together this guide: which places appear on screen, how the production was coordinated with the Rapa Nui community, and what you need to know if you want to visit these locations.
The film hits theaters on November 6, 2026, after winning the Volpi Cup in Venice.
What Wild Horse Nine Is About
The story takes place in 1973. Chris (John Malkovich) and Lee (Sam Rockwell) are CIA agents. Their superior in Santiago, MJ (Steve Buscemi), dispatches them to Rapa Nui just months before the coup against Salvador Allende.
Chris is ill and knows his time is running short. Lee accompanies him, noticing that his partner’s behavior is becoming increasingly erratic. On the island, they meet two left-wing students, Mónica and Alicia, who complicate their assignment and force both men to confront their past actions.
McDonagh blends dark humor with political drama. Rather than offering a minute history lesson on Chile, he uses this backdrop to explore loyalty, guilt, and male friendship at the end of a career.
The ensemble cast is completed by Parker Posey, Tom Waits, Chilean actress Mariana di Girolamo, and Ailín Salas. The film is distributed by Searchlight Pictures, the studio behind The Banshees of Inisherin.
Why McDonagh Chose Easter Island – Rapa Nui
McDonagh visited the island as a tourist about 13 years ago. He was struck by its remoteness, dramatic scenery, and the moai. Ever since, he wanted to write a story where the island itself functioned as a character.
At the Toronto International Film Festival, he explained that the moai, the terrain, the vegetation, and the ocean formed the core foundation for giving Rapa Nui a starring role in the narrative.
The screenplay underwent several drafts. The turning point arrived when McDonagh linked the island to Chilean politics in 1973. Since Rapa Nui is part of Chile, sending CIA agents from Santiago made complete narrative sense.
In The Banshees of Inisherin, McDonagh isolated his characters on a remote Irish island. In Wild Horse Nine, he repeats this formula in the South Pacific. Two men with nowhere to run must face their morality and the erosion of their bond.
Film critics also note a compelling contrast: statues carved centuries ago contrasted against a foreign power intervening in another nation’s affairs.
The 5 Wild Horse Nine Filming Locations in Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
The crew filmed inside Rapa Nui National Park, which encompasses roughly 44% of the island and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are the key sites:
| Location | Description | Use in the Film |
| Ahu Tongariki | The island’s largest ceremonial platform, featuring 15 restored moai. | Primary visual backdrop of the story. |
| Rano Raraku | Volcanic crater and main quarry where the moai were sculpted. | Scenes shot amidst massive half-finished statues. |
| Anakena Beach | The primary white-sand beach, guarded by Ahu Nau Nau. | Key interaction sequences with local residents. |
| Ahu Tahai | Ceremonial complex located near the main town. | Dramatic scenes filmed during sunset. |
| Hanga Roa | Rapa Nui’s sole town and urban center. | Everyday life scenes and production logistics. |
Ahu Tongariki
This is the largest stone platform on the island: 15 giant moai standing in a row against a dramatic ocean backdrop. Director Martin McDonagh utilized this setting as a primary backdrop to emphasize the stark visual contrast between the agents and the island’s grandeur.
- Travel Tip: If you want to experience this spectacle at first light without the crowds, check out our exclusive itineraries and book our Tongariki Sunrise Experience.
Rano Raraku: The Moai Factory
Rano Raraku is an extinct volcano that served as the island’s master quarry for centuries. It is the exact place where ancient inhabitants carved statues directly out of the volcanic stone. Hundreds of moai in various stages of completion remain along its slopes, many buried up to their necks. The cameras captured these striking unfinished figures in rich detail.
Anakena Beach
Anakena is Rapa Nui’s sole white-sand beach with crystal-clear waters. It is guarded by the moai of Ahu Nau Nau, renowned for retaining their pukao (topknots made of red scoria stone). Key sequences where the lead characters interact with local islanders were shot in this tropical paradise.
Ahu Tahai
Located just a short walk from Hanga Roa, this ceremonial complex is the most famous sunset spot on Rapa Nui. The film crew took advantage of the warm golden hour lighting to film deeply emotional scenes.
Hanga Roa
Hanga Roa is the island’s only town, housing nearly its entire population. During production, its streets hosted production trucks, camera rigs, and the full crew footprint to film daily life scenes. As an interesting logistical detail: all technical gear and vintage cars had to be shipped and flown from the mainland, over 3,500 km away.
Santiago, the Other Half of the Shoot
After wrapping up on the island, the production team traveled to Chile’s capital to complete the story. Filming took place in downtown Santiago, the borough of Conchalí (specifically at a rayuela club, a traditional Chilean game), and Santiago International Airport, recreating the atmosphere of pre-coup Chile.
- Planning your trip to Rapa Nui (Easter Island)? Our agency offers fully personalized private tours across Rapa Nui so you can explore these movie locations at your own pace, guided by local experts with private transport.
How Long the Wild Horse Nine Shoot Lasted in Rapa Nui
Filming on the island began in early 2025 and spanned approximately three months. By late April 2025, the team wrapped on Rapa Nui and concluded production with a final week in Santiago.
The production schedule was strict. Every day in the National Park was monitored by conservation experts, and a local community representative was present on set daily. McDonagh later shared that this arrangement allowed him to learn the island’s history directly from its people.
The Role of Ma’u Henua and the Local Community
Executing a production of this scale in a delicate environment required an unprecedented logistical effort. Before turning on a single camera, the Ma’u Henua Indigenous Community worked directly with the production company. They demanded absolute reverence for local cultural beliefs and complete protection of archaeological heritage.
To ensure compliance, a strict mitigation protocol was enforced every day. A dedicated team of archaeologists, conservators, and cultural advisors kept close watch over the area. Their role was to enforce boundaries and guarantee that sacred distances from the moai and ahu were strictly maintained.
This major operation also provided significant employment for the community. Local guides, artisans, and residents worked as extras, production assistants, transport drivers, and wardrobe staff. In fact, several of our team members took part in these operations.
The final outcome proved that international film projects can be conducted without disturbing the ecosystem. The production fully adapted to Rapa Nui’s conservation rules, proving that respect for ancestral culture and archaeology must always come first.
Cast of Wild Horse Nine: Malkovich, Rockwell, and Latin American Actresses
The cast of Wild Horse Nine pairs major Hollywood names with acclaimed Chilean cinema talent. John Malkovich portrays veteran agent Chris (a role that earned him the Volpi Cup in Venice) alongside Sam Rockwell and Steve Buscemi.
Local talent shines through Chilean actress Mariana di Girolamo (known for Ema), who plays Mónica. Her performance drew international praise following the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
The Chilean and Latin American cast is rounded out by Paola Giannini and actress Ailín Salas. Both characters bring the political context and local perspective that challenge the American agents in the story.
Notable figures such as Parker Posey and musician Tom Waits complete this stellar ensemble. For our agency, it was a source of great pride to see the magic of Rapa Nui and Chilean talent united in this major film.
Venice, Critical Reception, and Release Date of Wild Horse Nine
Wild Horse Nine made its world premiere on September 3, 2026, in official competition at the Venice Film Festival. It received a standing ovation lasting over 13 minutes.
On September 12, John Malkovich won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor. The film competed for the Golden Lion, which went to May el-Toukhy’s Woman Unknown. It subsequently screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.
On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 94% positive rating across 79 reviews, with an average score of 8.3/10. Critics have praised the chemistry between Malkovich and Rockwell and the way the humor transitions into a poignant emotional and political climax.
The theatrical release in the United States and the United Kingdom is scheduled for November 6, 2026. The Chilean release is also expected in November. Since it has not yet hit commercial theaters, an audience score is not yet available.
How to Visit the Wild Horse Nine Filming Locations in Rapa Nui
Exploring these five iconic locations takes between one and two days. To enjoy a smooth experience, follow these practical steps:
First, purchase your Rapa Nui National Park ticket on the official website. This pass is required to enter all sacred sites and is not included with tour packages.
Next, visit our website to book your private tours with us. From there, we take care of all arrangements, private transportation, and itinerary logistics.
Keep in mind that Rano Raraku allows only one visit per ticket, so we will schedule your day to maximize your time there. You can also experience the sunrise at Tongariki as an addition to your day tours, along with sunset at Tahai in the ideal light captured by the director.
At Anakena, you can combine the archaeological history of Ahu Nau Nau with time along the beach. At every stop, our guide will ensure safe distances are maintained around the moai and ahu.
