Netflix Snags Jake Gyllenhaal Action-Thriller ‘Kill Switch’ Following Bidding War
Netflix Snags Jake Gyllenhaal Action-Thriller ‘Kill Switch’ Following Bidding War
HOLLYWOOD, CA — The "Gyllen-hustle" shows no signs of slowing down. Netflix has emerged victorious in a high-stakes bidding war for the spec script Kill Switch, an action-thriller set to star Jake Gyllenhaal in the lead role.
The acquisition, finalized on Tuesday 3rd February marks a major re-teaming for the Oscar nominee and the streaming giant following the success of 2019’s Velvet Buzzsaw and 2021's The Guilty.
'Collateral' Meets 'Sicario'
While official plot points are being guarded like a state secret, industry insiders have described the film as a gritty, grounded blend of Michael Mann’s Collateral and Denis Villeneuve’s Sicario. The comparison suggests a high-tension, atmospheric ride that lean into the darker, more visceral action roots Gyllenhaal explored in films like Ambulance and The Covenant.
The screenplay is penned by Harrison Query, currently one of the most sought-after writers in Hollywood. Query recently dominated the streaming charts with the 2025 sleeper hit Heads of State (starring John Cena and Idris Elba) and has become a frequent collaborator for Gyllenhaal; the duo is also currently developing the political thriller Code Black for Amazon MGM Studios.
A Production Powerhouse
The project carries significant creative pedigree behind the camera. Producing alongside Gyllenhaal and his Nine Stories partner Josh McLaughlin is Matt Reeves (The Batman), who will produce via his 6th & Idaho banner with Lynn Harris.
While a director has not yet been officially named, sources indicate that Netflix is moving aggressively to find a visionary filmmaker capable of matching the "brawn and brains" tone established by the Query script.
The Busy World of Gyllenhaal
At 45, Gyllenhaal remains one of the hardest-working men in show business. The Kill Switch announcement adds yet another pillar to a massive 2026-2027 slate that includes:
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The Bride!: A gothic crime drama directed by his sister, Maggie Gyllenhaal (due 6th March).
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In the Grey: A high-octane Guy Ritchie thriller co-starring Henry Cavill (due 10th April).
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Remain: A supernatural romantic thriller from M. Night Shyamalan and Nicholas Sparks (due 23rd October).
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Road House 2: The highly anticipated sequel to his record-breaking Prime Video hit.
For Netflix, securing Kill Switch is a tactical win in the ongoing "arms race" for star-driven action content. By pairing the intense, transformative acting style of Gyllenhaal with a "Sicario-esque" world, the streamer is clearly aiming for a project that delivers both critical acclaim and massive viewership numbers.
