Netflix is poised to deliver one of the most star-studded thrillers of the year with 'In the Hand of Dante,' a film that reads like a Hollywood Who's Who. Directed by Julian Schnabel—renowned for 'Before Night Falls' and 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly'—the movie brings together an ensemble that includes Oscar Isaac, Gerard Butler, John Malkovich, Al Pacino, Jason Momoa, Gal Gadot, and even legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese in a supporting role.
The project, originally a novel by Nick Tosches, has been adapted by Schnabel into a sprawling narrative that spans centuries. At its core is a dual-timeline story: In 2001 New York, on the eve of the 9/11 attacks, writer Nick Tosches (Isaac) stumbles upon what may be the original manuscript of Dante Alighieri's 'Divine Comedy.' With the help of a hitman played by Gerard Butler, he races to secure the priceless document—but a Sicilian gangster boss (John Malkovich) also wants it. Meanwhile, in 14th-century Italy, Dante himself (also Isaac) seeks guidance from his mentor Isaiah (Scorsese) while facing pressure from Pope Boniface (again Butler), who will eventually force him into exile.
The cast list alone is enough to generate buzz. Oscar Isaac, fresh from 'Star Wars' and 'Dune,' tackles the dual role of the modern writer and the poet. Gerard Butler, known for '300' and 'Law Abiding Citizen,' plays both a contemporary contract killer and the medieval pope. John Malkovich brings his signature intensity as the gangster. Al Pacino, a titan of cinema from 'The Godfather' to 'Scarface,' appears in what is likely a pivotal role. Jason Momoa, currently starring in 'Supergirl,' and Gal Gadot, the iconic Wonder Woman, round out the supporting cast. Even Martin Scorsese, the master director behind 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' steps in front of the camera as Dante's mentor, a role that blends historical wisdom with cinematic gravitas.
The film's visual style is as ambitious as its casting. Schnabel has shot it in both color and black-and-white, using the shifts to distinguish the two time periods. The modern segments are gritty, saturated, and chaotic, while the medieval scenes are stark, monochromatic, and painterly—a nod to Schnabel's background as a visual artist. This bold aesthetic choice has drawn comparisons to films like 'Memento' and 'The French Dispatch,' but with a darker, more thriller-like tone.
'In the Hand of Dante' is based on Nick Tosches' 2002 novel of the same name, which itself is a fictionalized account of the author's obsession with the 'Divine Comedy.' Tosches, a controversial journalist and biographer, blended fact and fiction to explore the allure of literary treasures and the corrupting power of wealth. The book was praised for its audacious narrative but criticized for its dense plotting. Schnabel's adaptation condenses the novel's sprawling arcs while adding visual flair and a star-powered appeal aimed at a broader Netflix audience.
The film's release date is set for June 24, 2026, exclusively on Netflix. Early critical response has been mixed: on Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 43% approval rating from critics, while on IMDb viewers have given it a 4.6 out of 10. Some reviewers have praised the ambition and the cast's commitment, but others have found the dual timelines confusing and the tonal shifts jarring. The average critic score on Metacritic is a moderate 52, indicating a divisive reception. Audience reactions on social media have been similarly split—fans of the novel are excited, but general viewers may find the narrative challenging.
Despite the lukewarm notices, the film remains a talking point for its sheer star power. Few projects in recent memory have gathered so many A-list names in one production. The inclusion of Scorsese as an actor is particularly notable; it's only his third major acting role in a non-documentary feature, after 'The Wolf of Wall Street' (cameo) and 'The Aviator' (cameo). Here, he portrays Isaiah, a character based loosely on historical figures who guided Dante, adding a layer of meta-cinema to the film.
The production itself was not without challenges. Filming took place across multiple locations, including New York, Sicily, and Tuscany, with a reported budget of over $150 million. Schnabel, known for his meticulous direction, demanded multiple takes and elaborate sets to recreate both 2001 Manhattan and 14th-century Florence. The COVID-19 pandemic caused delays, pushing the release from 2025 to 2026. However, Netflix remained committed to the project, seeing it as a prestige offering that could attract awards attention despite mixed reviews.
In the context of Netflix's strategy, 'In the Hand of Dante' fits a pattern of high-budget, star-driven thrillers aimed at global audiences. Past examples include 'The Gray Man' and 'Red Notice,' both of which leveraged big names for streaming success. This film, however, leans more into arthouse sensibilities, which may limit its mainstream appeal but could earn it cult status over time. The juxtaposition of gangster violence and literary history is unique, a blend of Scorsese's own gangster films and the period dramas of directors like Ridley Scott.
For fans of the actors involved, the film offers a chance to see familiar faces in unexpected roles. Gerard Butler, typically an action hero, plays both a ruthless hitman and a scheming pope—a showcase of his range. Jason Momoa, often typecast as a warrior, appears in a more subdued part, though details remain under wraps. Gal Gadot, whose post-Wonder Woman career has included espionage thrillers like 'Heart of Stone,' adds another high-profile project to her résumé. Al Pacino, at 85, continues to work prolifically, and his scenes are expected to be a highlight.
The film's central theme—the search for an authentic manuscript of the 'Divine Comedy'—taps into a fascination with rare books and lost treasures. The 'Divine Comedy' itself is a cornerstone of Western literature, and the idea of an original manuscript surviving is a tantalizing myth. Schnabel uses this as a MacGuffin to explore greed, art, and immortality. The modern storyline mirrors Dante's own journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, with New York standing in as a Inferno-like landscape of corruption and desire.
While the film may not satisfy everyone, it undeniably marks a bold addition to Netflix's library. Its ambition, star power, and artistic risks make it a must-watch for cinephiles and casual viewers alike. Whether it will be remembered as a glorious mess or a misunderstood masterpiece remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: 'In the Hand of Dante' is a conversation starter, and its arrival on June 24 will be a major event in the streaming calendar.
Source: Gamestar News