Jim Caviezel Cast As Jair Bolsonaro In Controversial Biopic 'Dark Horse' As Son Flávio Launches 2026 Bid

A biopic portraying Brazil’s jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro, titled Dark Horse, is in production and has been confirmed by Bolsonaro ally Carlos Bolsonaro.

The film casts American actor Jim Caviezel—known for roles in The Passion of the Christ and The Sound of Freedom—as Bolsonaro. Caviezel has previously been linked to U.S. far-right circles and has drawn scrutiny for political messaging associated with some of his projects.

"Jim Caviezel, thank you for everything,"

Carlos wrote on X, adding that working with the actor had been "one of the greatest gifts" of his life and closing his post with "God, Jesus and Freedom."

According to The Guardian, Dark Horse presents a largely heroic view of Bolsonaro and draws on his successful 2018 presidential campaign. The film is directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh and written by Mário Frias, a former culture secretary in Bolsonaro’s government.

Bolsonaro remains incarcerated after receiving a 27-year prison sentence for his role in attempts to overturn Brazil’s 2022 election results. Authorities say he orchestrated efforts to invalidate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s victory; he was imprisoned in September and later barred from holding public office until 2030.

From prison, Bolsonaro issued a rare public endorsement naming his son Flávio Bolsonaro as his preferred successor. Flávio, 44, confirmed via his Senate office that he will run for president in October 2026 and described his decision as "irreversible," saying he accepts the mission of continuing his father's political project. His office also confirmed he has visited his father in prison.

Production on Dark Horse is expected to continue into 2026, with filming planned in Brazil and Mexico. The casting and creative team have already attracted international attention because of the film's political subject and the high-profile involvement of figures associated with Bolsonaro’s circle.

What's At Stake

The film arrives amid a charged political climate in Brazil as Bolsonaro remains a polarizing figure: a convicted former president producing a campaign legacy from behind bars while his family mobilizes ahead of the 2026 race.