Netflix is set to bring the disturbing story of Ted Kaczynski to the screen with Unabomber, a new crime thriller directed by Janus Metz. The film explores Kaczynski’s early life, his radicalization and the FBI investigation that eventually led to his capture. It is scheduled to premiere globally on Netflix on September 25, 2026.
The story begins when Kaczynski was a 16 year old Harvard math prodigy. During his time at the university, he became involved in controversial psychological experiments conducted by Professor Henry Murray. The film looks at this period of his life and examines how his experiences may have influenced his mental state before he went on to become a domestic terrorist.
Jacob Tremblay plays the younger Ted Kaczynski, while Russell Crowe portrays Professor Henry Murray. Shailene Woodley plays FBI agent Joanne Miller, with Annabelle Wallis appearing as Christiana Morgan. The supporting cast includes Alexander Ludwig, Steven Ogg and Marc Menchaca.
The trailer gives viewers a glimpse of Tremblay’s portrayal of the young Kaczynski. His performance focuses on the character’s quiet and troubled nature, while certain moments show the growing intensity behind the character. The film appears to move between Kaczynski’s younger years and the investigation surrounding the crimes he later committed.
At the centre of Unabomber is the question of how an exceptionally intelligent young man eventually became one of the most notorious domestic terrorists in the United States. The film attempts to explore his personal journey rather than focusing only on the crimes themselves.
Kaczynski carried out a long running mail bombing campaign that killed and injured people over several years. His case became one of the FBI’s major investigations, as authorities worked to identify the person responsible for the attacks.
The film combines the psychological story of Kaczynski’s transformation with the FBI’s efforts to track him down. By focusing on his early life, the investigation and the eventual escalation of his actions, Unabomber aims to present a tense look at one of the most disturbing criminal cases in modern American history.
