The Matador (2005)
A darkly comic thriller where a burnt-out hitman and a desperate salesman forge an unlikely friendship in Mexico City.
The Matador - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Matador
- Release Year: 2005
- Directed by: Richard Shepard
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 12, 2005 (Germany - 12), May 12, 2005 (United States - R), October 3, 2005 (United Kingdom - 15), November 16, 2005 (France), September 7, 2006 (Australia - MA15+)
- Alternative Titles: Le Matador (FR)
- Production Companies: Stratus Film Co., DEJ Productions, Furst Films, Irish Dreamtime, Bob Yari Productions, Arclight Films, Jade Films
- Production Countries: Germany, Mexico, United States of America
The Matador - Plot
The life of Danny Wright, a salesman forever on the road, veers into dangerous and surreal territory when he wanders into a Mexican bar and meets a mysterious stranger, Julian, who's very likely a hit man. Their meeting sets off a chain of events that will change their lives forever, as Wright is suddenly thrust into a far-from-mundane existence that he takes to surprisingly well … once he gets acclimated to it.
The Matador - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what happens when a hitman and a salesman walk into a bar:
A hitman and a salesman walk into a bar...
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The Matador - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Richard Shepard
Main Cast
- Pierce Brosnan
- Greg Kinnear
- Hope Davis
- Portia Dawson
- Adam Scott
- Israel Tellez
- Arlin Miller
- Azucena Medina
- Jonah Meyerson
- Wiveca Bonerais
Writers
- Richard Shepard
Producers
- Pierce Brosnan
- Sean Furst
- Bryan Furst
- Beau St. Clair
The Matador - FAQs
What is The Matador about?
The Matador follows Danny Wright, a down-on-his-luck salesman who crosses paths with Julian Noble, a world-weary hitman, in a Mexico City bar. Their unlikely friendship spirals into a darkly comic adventure that forces both men to confront their loneliness and moral limits. Critics praised it as a sharp, witty character study.
Is there a deeper meaning to Julian Noble's character?
Julian Noble is essentially a portrait of midlife crisis taken to its darkest extreme. Beneath the bravado and crude humor, he's profoundly isolated — a man whose profession has stripped him of every normal human connection. His friendship with Danny becomes his only genuine lifeline, giving the film its surprising emotional core.
Where can you stream The Matador?
You can watch The Matador for free on Tubi TV, Kanopy, Plex, Plex Channel, and Fawesome. If you prefer to rent or buy, it's available on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Why did Pierce Brosnan produce The Matador himself?
Brosnan was so drawn to Julian Noble — a role radically different from James Bond — that he came on board as a producer to help get the film made. It was a deliberate career pivot, and the gamble paid off: his performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination and widespread critical acclaim.
Who are the main actors in The Matador?
Pierce Brosnan leads the cast as Julian Noble, the burnt-out hitman, alongside Greg Kinnear as Danny Wright, the everyman salesman he befriends. Hope Davis plays Danny's warm and wonderfully game wife Bean, with Adam Scott and Philip Baker Hall rounding out the supporting cast.
Does The Matador have a happy ending?
The ending is bittersweet and satisfying in an unconventional way. Without spoiling too much, Danny and Julian's bond is tested when Julian turns up on Danny's doorstep months later needing help. The resolution honors the film's tone — darkly funny, oddly warm, and genuinely surprising.
Is The Matador worth watching?
Absolutely. The Matador earned strong reviews for its sharp script and Brosnan's fearless, self-deprecating performance. It's a smart, offbeat buddy film that works as both a comedy and a character study. If you enjoy dark humor mixed with genuine heart, this one's well worth your time.
Where was The Matador filmed?
The film was shot primarily in Mexico City, which gives it a vivid, sun-drenched atmosphere that contrasts nicely with its darker themes. Additional scenes were filmed in Denver, Colorado, where Danny and Bean's domestic life provides a grounded counterpoint to Julian's chaotic world.
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