On Monday, Angel Studios debuted the first trailer for The Brink of War, a historical drama starring Jeff Daniels as Ronald Reagan. Unlike 2024’s Reagan, which offered a broad overview of the actor-turned-president’s life, this film focuses on a single pivotal moment in history.
The trailer premiered at CinemaCon, a major trade event for studios and exhibitors. Alongside The Brink of War, Angel Studios is promoting seven additional wide releases. The first look at Daniels as Reagan is already sparking discussion, along with the film’s politically charged subject matter.
President Reagan 🤝 Mikhail Gorbachev
See #TheBrinkofWar in theaters September 16 pic.twitter.com/d6nJWtZzDS— Angel (@AngelStudiosInc) April 14, 2026
The Reykjavík Summit and Its Stakes
The Brink of War is set during the two-day nuclear summit Ronald Reagan hosted in Reykjavík, Iceland, in 1986. Angel Studios’ official synopsis reads: “President Reagan races against time to salvage a deal with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev that could dismantle nuclear arsenals—or ignite disaster. With pressure mounting on all sides, every word spoken brings the world closer to peace… or destruction.”
J.K. Simmons, Jeff Daniels, and Jared Harris in The Brink of War – Angel, YouTube
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Ronald Reagan’s objective was to ease global tensions that could lead to nuclear war. He proposed a two-step process aimed at eliminating nuclear weapons entirely. While ultimately unsuccessful, many historians view the meeting as a turning point in the Cold War.
The story’s high stakes and intense emotional exchanges make it well suited for a screen adaptation. The question now is whether Angel Studios and its cast can faithfully bring the story to life.
Daniels as Reagan: First Look
Joining Jeff Daniels as Reagan is Jared Harris as Gorbachev. Rounding out the cast is J.K. Simmons as U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz, and Hope Davis as Nancy Reagan.
Jeff Daniels as Ronald Reagan in The Brink of War – Angel, YouTube
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The trailer opens dramatically, with a man facing an oncoming storm. In voiceover, he identifies a threat to the American people. Schultz is then heard saying, “President Reagan, you got us here, sir. You got the Russians to the table.” As he speaks, Daniels turns to face the camera, identifying himself to the audience as Ronald Reagan.
Many users online note that even under heavy makeup, Jeff Daniels bears little resemblance to Ronald Reagan. The actor’s personal political views may also differ from the late president’s. In July 2025, Daniels speculated that Kamala Harris “would have done what Lincoln did,” while comparing Donald Trump’s economic policies to the “madness of King George.” He told those who voted for Trump’s reelection, “I hope you’re losing tons of money, those of you who thought this would be OK.”
Jared Harris as Mikhail Gorbachev in The Brink of War – Angel, YouTube
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However, some remain cautiously optimistic about his performance, citing his experience in both comedy and dramatic roles. Ultimately, the film’s success may hinge on whether audiences can separate the art from the artist, and whether the actor can separate performance from personal politics.
Casting, Politics, and Reception
Audiences will have the opportunity to decide for themselves if Jeff Daniels accurately depicts Ronald Reagan when The Brink of War hits theaters on August 14. Whether viewers approach it for historical insight or performance alone, the film’s reception will likely reflect broader cultural conversations. In revisiting a defining Cold War moment, the project invites audiences to reconsider how leadership, diplomacy, and perception continue to shape global narratives today.
What do you think of Jeff Daniels playing Ronald Reagan? Let us know in the comments!
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Reagan and Thatcher: the best of times. In the 1980s, the most fertile decade for culture since Shakespeare’s and Bach’s time, nuclear war was a scary threat. (We don’t fear it as much, these days, because nothing happened, but we should: especially due to AI. People generally don’t realise how psychotic, and psychopathic, AI is, and safety “guard rails” can’t fix that, only ameliorate it a bit).
Daniels as Reagan is casting I wouldn’t have expected.
Not expected, or welcome.
And I’m starting to really question Angel Studios.
First the debacle that is Animal Farm, and now pushing a movie with Jeff Daniels when this would have been a perfect recasting of Dennis Quaid. But whatever, they didn’t make the movie, they are just pimping it.
Anyway, they’ve gone from outfit that gave us David, The Sound of Freedom, (soon) Young Washington, and The Last Rodeo to name a few of their wholesome releases to… whatever this is.
They need to do better and learn not to support anti-American garbage from headline cast and production/directing staff. Until they do, and show a consistent record of doing so, no more money from me or my family is heading their way.
Daniels himself is an unapologetic progressive and has said his infamous The Newsroom “What makes America the greatest country in the World?” monologue echoed his own feelings. So he can go eat a bag of poached buttholes.
And, no, it doesn’t matter if he does a good Reagan. There are a lot of non-lunatic actors who could do a good Reagan, especially considering they couldn’t even bother to get his look and voice right.
It is too bad, because this is exactly the type of movie I’d normally go for, especially before I knew better than to support people who hate me. Thirteen Days, Frost and Nixon. Both as high adrenaline for me as a good Jason Statham movie.