Peter Dinklage’s 2024 Western crime thriller, The Thicket, has found a massive new audience following its recent debut on Netflix. As of October 2, 2026, the film has climbed to the No. 5 spot on the platform’s most-watched movies list in the United States, marking a significant resurgence for a project that originally saw a more limited release.
The film stars Dinklage as Shorty, a bounty hunter hired to find a woman kidnapped by a violent killer known as “Cut Throat Bill” (Juliette Lewis). The cast also features Levon Hawke and a rare dramatic turn from Metallica frontman James Hetfield, who portrays a local sheriff.
The film’s sudden chart dominance highlights the “second life” effect often seen when titles move from specialized platforms to major streamers. The Thicket was originally released as a Tubi original in September 2024, accompanied by a limited theatrical run, but it remained largely under the radar for mainstream audiences until its licensing to Netflix this month.
From the Old West to the Dexter Universe
Dinklage’s streaming success arrives as his presence in another major franchise prepares for a transition. The actor, who famously earned four Primetime Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones, recently played a pivotal role in the revival of the Dexter franchise. In the first season of Dexter: Resurrection, which aired in 2025, Dinklage portrayed Leon Prater, a billionaire antagonist who served as a primary foil for Michael C. Hall’s titular character.
While Dinklage’s character was a “one-and-done” villain for the series, the momentum of the franchise continues to build. Paramount+ recently released the official Dexter: Resurrection Season 2 trailer, confirming that the series will return on October 30, 2026.
The upcoming season will shift focus to a new pair of high-profile antagonists taking over the space left by Dinklage. Brian Cox has joined the cast as Don Framt, also known as the “New York Ripper,” while Dan Stevens will portray Owen Stark, a character identified as the “Five Borough Killer.”
For fans of Dinklage, The Thicket offers a darker, more atmospheric performance that bridges the gap between his high-fantasy roots and his recent turn into contemporary crime drama. The film’s success on Netflix suggests a strong appetite for gritty, character-driven Westerns, even those that may have missed their initial theatrical window.
