AceShowbiz - By Any Means is an upcoming historical crime thriller that Paramount has secured U.S. rights for, with a scheduled release on September 4, 2026, coinciding with Labor Day weekend. The film stars Mark Wahlberg and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in leading roles.

Directed by Elegance Bratton, known for his work on the marine drama The Inspection, the screenplay was written by Sascha Penn. The story is set in 1966 Mississippi and is loosely based on true events. It centers on an uneasy alliance forged between a hardened mafia hitman and a young Black FBI agent. Together, they work to track down those responsible for the murders of civil rights leaders, uncovering a deeper conspiracy that challenges their notions of justice, loyalty, and survival.

Elegance Bratton described the film as a narrative about "unlikely alliances forged under impossible circumstances," emphasizing how justice is complex and the pursuit of truth comes with significant costs. He expressed an interest in exploring violence not merely as isolated incidents but as a systemic issue that profoundly affects those caught within it.

The supporting cast includes Nicole Beharie, David Strathairn, Giancarlo Esposito, Josh Lucas, and Ethan Embry, rounding out a strong ensemble.

The production is a collaboration between several production companies and producers. Bratton and Chester Algernal Gordon produce under their banner Freedom Principle, alongside Alex Lebovici from Hammerstone Studios; Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee from Thunder Road Films; and Mark Wahlberg with Stephen Levinson for Municipal.

WME Independent managed the U.S. rights sale, while north.five.six is handling the film’s international sales. Notably, the September 4, 2026 release date places By Any Means in direct competition with the Amazon MGM Studios crime drama How to Rob a Bank, directed by David Leitch, which also debuts on the same day.

This release marks Paramount’s return to a 1960s historical setting, combining crime thriller elements with real-world civil rights history, aiming to deliver a gripping story about justice and the complexities of navigating a violent system during a tumultuous era.