Pictures courtesy of Netflix and Getty Images
Netflix is delving into one of the most haunting chapters in American criminal history with a new feature true-crime drama titled UNABOM. The film, first unveiled on June 4th, 2025, as the movie went into production, will explore the life of Ted Kaczynski, the brilliant yet deeply troubled mind who became one of the most notorious domestic terrorists in U.S. history. Here’s our complete guide to everything we know about the upcoming film.
While this will be Netflix’s first original dramatization of Kaczynski’s story, the streamer has previously hosted related content, including Discovery’s Manhunt: Unabomber series (which streamed between 2018 and 2022) and the documentary Unabomber – In His Own Words in select territories.
We should note that Netflix’s spelling of the movie title is without the b.
Who’s Behind Netflix’s UNABOM?
The project is being directed by acclaimed Danish filmmaker Janus Metz, best known for his work on the Disney+ series Andor and the biographical sports drama Borg vs. McEnroe. Metz brings a grounded yet cinematic lens to real-world stories, making him a fitting choice for this unsettling biopic. In a statement to Netflix, Metz said about the project, “I was fascinated by the fact that the hunt for the Unabomber was the FBI’s longest and most expensive operation to date. But what really drew me in was the story about Ted Kaczynski’s years at Harvard when he was a young math student. This was a side to the story I didn’t know about; it helps uncover a very dark chapter in American history.”
The screenplay is written by Sam Chalsen and Nelson Greaves, whose collaborative writing credits lean toward character-driven thrillers. The pair also serve as executive producers, alongside Don Lee. Sophie Cassidy produces the project for 2.0 Entertainment, with MRC co-developing. Zack Staenberg is the editor behind the film, having previously worked on The Matrix.
Who’s Starring in UNABOM?
Cast grid for Netflix’s Unabom Film
Jacob Tremblay headlines as Ted Kaczynski, portraying the infamous Unabomber through his formative years. Tremblay, who rose to prominence with Room and Wonder, is no stranger to Netflix, having lent his voice to animated features My Father’s Dragon and Orion and the Dark. UNABOM marks his first major live-action role for the streamer.
Joining him is Russell Crowe as Professor Henry Murray, the Harvard psychologist whose controversial behavioral experiments in the 1950s are believed to have deeply impacted Kaczynski’s psyche. This marks Crowe’s first major collaboration with Netflix.
The rest of the cast currently confirmed includes:
- Shailene Woodley plays Joanne Miller, a fictional FBI agent who leads the sprawling manhunt that would eventually bring the Unabomber to justice.
- Annabelle Wallis (The Mummy) as Christiana Morgan, Professor
- Alexander Ludwig (Vikings)
- Steven Ogg (The Walking Dead)
- Marc Menchaca (Ozark)
Also listed to be part of the cast, although not officially confirmed, are:
- Tanya Clarke (A Beautiful Mind) as Susan Mosser
- Matthew Kevin Anderson (Never Let Go) as David Kaczynski
- Mark Camacho (X-Men: Days of Future Past) as Bill Ford
- Bruce Ramsay (Alive) as Turk Kaczynski
- Michael Buie (Smoke) as Tom Mosser
- Michael Laurence (Shades of Blue)
- Emily Lê (Paying for It)
- David Webster (Luckiest Girl Alive) as Roy Wright
- Lola Grace as Kelly Mosser
What’s the Story of UNABOM?
The official logline teases an unsettling mix of character study and investigative thriller:
“Inspired by true events, UNABOM follows Ted Kaczynski’s (Jacob Tremblay) transformation from Harvard prodigy into the infamous Unabomber. Subjected to controversial psychological experiments by Professor Henry Murray (Russell Crowe), Kaczynski’s troubled past resurfaces decades later when his manhunt, led by FBI agent Joanne Miller (Shailene Woodley), brings to light the chilling consequences of ambition and isolation.”
Expect a story told across dual timelines, juxtaposing Kaczynski’s academic beginnings with the FBI’s painstaking efforts to identify and apprehend him.
Where is production on Unabom? Where was it filmed?
Production began in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on June 4th, 2025, with the official announcement.
Given the project’s scale and pedigree, a release in late 2026 or early 2027 seems plausible, though that’s speculation for now.
Director Janus Metz provided a couple of updates through Instagram throughout production, including one in late June with Metz posting, “Life on set,” and again on July 18th, posting that the production had wrapped, writing, “It’s a wrap!!! My new feature “Unabom” for Netflix is in the can. Had the best journey with the greatest team and cast.” You can see some of the snaps from his Instagram below:
Picture Credits: Janus Metz / Instagram
Steven Ogg shared an excellent post after the film had wrapped praising the cast and crew while posting a number of behind-the-scenes snaps:
View this post on Instagram
Is There a Trailer or Release Date?
As of October 2025, Netflix has not released any first-look images, trailers, or a release window. We’re expecting some first looks possibly as early as January 2026 when Netflix previews it’s slate for next year.
Stay tuned to What’s on Netflix for more updates on casting news, filming details, and release information as UNABOM moves forward.
