Jeff Daniels to Play Ronald Reagan in 'Brink of War' Film

Angel Studios unveils trailer for historical drama about 1986 Reagan-Gorbachev nuclear summit

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:30pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract close-up photograph of a cracked, reflective surface with a faint, glowing light, conveying the high-stakes political drama at the heart of the film 'Brink of War'.The dramatic, high-contrast visual textures of 'Brink of War' aim to capture the gravity and intensity of the 1986 nuclear summit between Reagan and Gorbachev.Las Vegas Today

Actor Jeff Daniels is set to portray former U.S. President Ronald Reagan in the upcoming film 'Brink of War', as revealed in the first trailer showcased by Angel Studios at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. The film, directed by Michael Russell Gunn, is set against the backdrop of the high-stakes 1986 nuclear summit between Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, with Jared Harris playing Gorbachev. The cast also includes J.K. Simmons and Hope Davis.

Why it matters

Angel Studios has gained attention for its faith-based and historical films, and 'Brink of War' represents the studio's continued focus on bringing significant political and cultural moments to the big screen. The portrayal of Reagan by acclaimed actor Jeff Daniels is likely to generate significant interest, as the former president remains a polarizing yet influential figure in American politics.

The details

The film 'Brink of War' is scheduled for release on August 14 and is one of several high-profile projects unveiled by Angel Studios at CinemaCon. The studio also presented trailers for other historical and contemporary projects, including 'Young Washington' featuring William Franklyn-Miller as a young George Washington, and 'Runner' starring Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson.

  • The first trailer for 'Brink of War' was showcased at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on April 14, 2026.
  • The film is scheduled for release on August 14, 2026.

The players

Jeff Daniels

An acclaimed American actor who is set to portray former U.S. President Ronald Reagan in the film 'Brink of War'.

Jared Harris

An English actor who will play Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 'Brink of War'.

Michael Russell Gunn

The director of 'Brink of War', a historical drama set during the 1986 nuclear summit between Reagan and Gorbachev.

Angel Studios

An independent film studio that gained attention for its 2023 release 'Sound of Freedom' and is now unveiling its upcoming slate of historical and contemporary projects, including 'Brink of War'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'CinemaCon marks an important moment for us to show where Angel is headed. Our 2026 slate is a celebration of what makes moviegoing matter - cinematic stories designed to be experienced together on the big screen, and it reflects our belief that the power of cinema lies in bringing people together for unforgettable, shared experiences.'”

— Brandon Purdie, Executive Vice President and Head of Theatrical, Angel Studios

What’s next

The release of 'Brink of War' on August 14, 2026 will be a major event for Angel Studios, as the film's portrayal of the Reagan-Gorbachev nuclear summit is likely to generate significant interest and discussion.

The takeaway

Angel Studios' focus on historical and faith-based films, exemplified by 'Brink of War', demonstrates the continued demand for cinematic stories that explore significant cultural and political moments. The casting of acclaimed actor Jeff Daniels as Ronald Reagan will be a key draw for the film, as the former president's legacy remains a subject of intense debate.