Netflix has released the first trailer from its upcoming true-crime drama Unabomber, offering a preview of Jacob Tremblay’s transformation into a young Ted Kaczynski ahead of the film’s Sept. 25 premiere. Directed by Janus Metz, the feature traces Kaczynski’s evolution from a gifted teenage mathematics prodigy at Harvard University to the domestic terrorist whose nationwide mail-bombing campaign spanned nearly two decades.
The film unfolds across two timelines, examining both Kaczynski’s formative years and the lengthy FBI investigation that ultimately led to his arrest. Russell Crowe portrays controversial Harvard psychologist Henry Murray, whose psychological experiments on Kaczynski are central to the story, while Shailene Woodley stars as FBI agent Joanne Miller, who leads the bureau’s pursuit. The cast also includes Annabelle Wallis, Alexander Ludwig, Steven Ogg and Marc Menchaca. The screenplay was written by Sam Chalsen and Nelson Greaves, with Sophie Cassidy producing for 2.0 Entertainment in association with MRC.
Speaking to Netflix’s Tudum, Tremblay said he was surprised to learn Kaczynski had entered Harvard as a teenage mathematical prodigy, adding that he wanted to portray the notorious figure as “a real person” rather than a larger-than-life myth. Metz said the film explores “a young man who feels increasingly disenfranchised by society and decides to take up violence as a means of revenge,” while also shining a light on what he described as a little-known chapter of American history tied to Kaczynski’s years at Harvard. Woodley noted that both her character and Kaczynski share an unwavering commitment to their instincts, despite pursuing vastly different goals.
See the trailer for ‘UNABOMBER’ – HERE.
Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com