Great news for fans of “The Bear!” Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach are set to make their Broadway debuts in “Dog Day Afternoon!
The new play is brought to life by Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Adly Guirgis. It is based on the true-crime story that inspired the 1975 film starring Al Pacino and John Cazale.
The Broadway play is set to premiere in spring 2026. Produced by Warner Bros., it will be directed by two-time Olivier Award winner Rupert Goold. Bernthal will officially take on the role of Sonny Amato, who was portrayed by Pacino in the film. Moss-Bachrachâs role has not yet been revealed, but with buzz surrounding the incredible casting, it is already building major anticipation.
A Career First for Two Acclaimed Stars
Bernthal is long admired for his powerful and emotionally charged performances and is no stranger to the stage. His theater credits include “Ironbound,” “Fat Pig,” and “Small Engine Repair,” to name a few. Next July, he is set to star in Christopher Nolanâs upcoming long-awaited film, “The Odyssey,” opposite several A-list actors. The star-student cast includes Matt Damon, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, and Anne Hathaway.
On the television side, Bernthalâs Emmy-winning role in “The Bear,â “Daredevil: Born Again,” as well as âThe Walking Dead,â have only added to his rising trajectory.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach has also earned critical acclaim for his layered and emotionally unpredictable performances. Heâs appeared in shows such as HBOâs “Girls,” Huluâs “The Dropout,” and Disney+âs “Andor.” His portrayal of Cousin Richie in “The Bear” solidified his place in the awards conversation. The actor won an Emmy Award in 2024 for Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Adding on to his busy resume, he also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ben Grimm, The Thing, in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”
Revisiting a Crime That Shook a Nation
According to a synopsis released by Variety, “Step back into the sweltering summer of 1972, New York Cityâa time when the Vietnam War looms large, Watergate headlines flood the news, and one manâs desperate act captivates the nation. A Brooklyn bank holdup quickly goes wrong, and with each gut-wrenching twist that unfolds, chaos ensues that ignites the city as they follow the actions of a man on the edge. ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ is a raw, gritty reminder of what happens when passion and desperation collide.”
The original 1975 film was based on the article “The Boys in the Bank” by P.F. Kluge and Thomas Moore. It was originally released in Life Magazine, detailing the real-life robbery that was led by John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile. In the film, Sonny (Pacino) attempted the heist to help fund his partnerâs gender-affirming surgery. Safe to say it was an emotionally charged detail that made headlines and drew wide public interest.
Though additional casting has yet to be announced, the arrival of “Dog Day Afternoon” is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying events of the 2026 Broadway season. Could this be the debut that redefines Bernthal and Moss-Bachrachâs careers on the stage?
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