Netflix Lands Star-Studded Drama "In the Hand of Dante"

The film features Jason Momoa, Gal Gadot, Al Pacino, and Gerard Butler in a dual-timeline story.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 9:37am

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Netflix has acquired the rights to the high-art drama "In the Hand of Dante" from director Julian Schnabel and co-writer Louise Kugelberg. The film features a star-studded cast including Jason Momoa, Gal Gadot, Al Pacino, and Gerard Butler, and tells a dual-timeline story connecting a modern-day New York author and the 14th century poet Dante Alighieri.

Why it matters

The acquisition of "In the Hand of Dante" by Netflix signals the streamer's continued push for prestige, awards-caliber content. The film's high-profile cast, festival pedigree, and complex narrative structure set it apart from typical Netflix original fare, positioning it as a potential awards contender.

The details

"In the Hand of Dante" adapts Nick Tosches' 2002 novel, with Oscar Isaac playing both the modern-day author and the historical figure of Dante. The film explores the connections between the two men's obsessive quests for love, beauty, and the divine. Director Julian Schnabel co-wrote the screenplay with Louise Kugelberg.

  • The film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in 2025.
  • Netflix has now acquired the rights to the film and says it is "coming soon."

The players

Julian Schnabel

The director of "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" and "Before Night Falls," who adapted the novel and co-wrote the screenplay for "In the Hand of Dante."

Louise Kugelberg

The co-writer of "In the Hand of Dante" alongside Julian Schnabel.

Oscar Isaac

The actor who plays both the modern-day author and the historical figure of Dante Alighieri in the film.

Jason Momoa

One of the high-profile actors featured in the cast of "In the Hand of Dante."

Gal Gadot

One of the high-profile actors featured in the cast of "In the Hand of Dante."

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What’s next

Netflix has not yet announced a release date for "In the Hand of Dante," but the streamer says the film is "coming soon."

The takeaway

The acquisition of "In the Hand of Dante" by Netflix demonstrates the streamer's continued commitment to securing high-profile, awards-worthy content. The film's complex narrative structure, festival pedigree, and star-studded cast set it apart as a potential prestige offering that could resonate with critics and audiences alike.