Paramount Pictures has officially released the final trailer for By Any Means, offering audiences a deeper look at the intense crime drama ahead of its theatrical release. The film is scheduled to arrive in theaters on September 4, 2026.
Directed by Elegance Bratton, the movie is inspired by a true story set in 1960s Mississippi. The plot follows a young Black FBI agent, portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who is tasked with investigating a series of brutal killings targeting civil rights leaders. To navigate the dangerous landscape, he is forced to partner with a notorious mafia hitman named Greg Scarpa, played by Mark Wahlberg. As the investigation unfolds, the two men find themselves caught in a complex hunt where the lines between justice and vengeance become increasingly blurred.
The release of this final trailer builds anticipation for a project that explores the limits of the law when the system itself is perceived as broken. By pairing two characters from vastly different worlds, the film promises a high-stakes narrative centered on an unlikely alliance.
A Star-Studded Cast and Production
Beyond the lead performances from Abdul-Mateen II and Wahlberg, the film features an extensive ensemble cast. The supporting lineup includes Nicole Beharie, Josh Lucas, LisaGay Hamilton, LaChanze, and Ethan Embry. The project also features appearances by David Strathairn and Giancarlo Esposito, rounding out a significant roster of talent.
The screenplay for the film was written by Sascha Penn. Production duties were handled by a large team including Alex Lebovici, Chester Algernal Gordon, Elegance Bratton, Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Mark Wahlberg, and Stephen Levinson. The film is a collaborative effort involving multiple production companies, including Hammerstone Studios and Thunder Road Films.
Why This Matters for Fans
The upcoming release of By Any Means is notable for its historical setting and its focus on the intersection of civil rights history and crime thriller elements. For fans of period-accurate dramas that tackle complex social themes, the film offers a compelling premise. With the theatrical debut approaching in early September, the final trailer serves as the last major look at the tone and visual style audiences can expect from Bratton’s latest directorial effort.
Source: Paramount Pictures
