Colin Farrell to Play Gambling Addict in Netflix’s Ballad of a Small Player

Ballad of a Small Player, a new Netflix production starring Colin Farrell, is a psychological thriller delving into the depths of gambling addiction. Set in the glittering casinos of Macau, China, the film positions Netflix for a serious run at Oscar contention.

Who Worked on Ballad of a Small Player and When Is It Coming Out?

The psychological thriller marks director Edgar Berger’s next project, following Conclave, and is adapted from the novel by Lawrence Osborne. The screenplay is penned by Rowan Joffe, best known for 28 Weeks Later (2007). The film also brings Berger back together with his longtime creative collaborators, including cinematographer James Friend, production designer Jonathan Houlding, costume designer Lisy Christl, editor Nick Emerson, and composer Volker Bertelmann.

In the film, Colin Farrell stars as Lord Doyle, a man consumed by the high-stakes world of Macau’s casinos. As his gambling debts spiral out of control, he encounters Dao Ming (Fala Chen), a casino employee who may hold the key to his salvation. Meanwhile, Tilda Swinton portrays Cynthia Blithe, a relentless private investigator determined to uncover the secrets of Doyle’s past.

Netflix has set the film for a strategic rollout, first hitting US theaters on October 15, followed by a release in UK and Irish cinemas on October 17. Eventually, the film will land on the streaming platform on October 29. Prior to its wide release, the film will screen at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2025, and several other major fall festivals, including the Zurich Film Festival, where Farrell is set to receive the prestigious Golden Icon Award.

About Colin Farrell 

Colin Farrell stands as one of Ireland’s most prominent cinematic talents, both in Hollywood and internationally. His diverse film career includes unforgettable roles: from a brooding hitman and an intrepid explorer to a struggling writer and one of history’s most legendary military leaders. Here’s a very short list of some of Farrel’s more notable appearances:

• The Batman (2022) – Played the villainous The Penguin
• Minority Report (2002) – Opposite Tom Cruise in Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi thriller
• Miami Vice (2006) – Starred as Sonny Crockett in Michael Mann’s stylish crime drama
• Alexander (2004) – Portrayed Alexander the Great in Oliver Stone’s historical epic
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) – Played Percival Graves in the Harry Potter prequel universe