The Big Short Movie Cast, Plot and Everything to Know

Amy Renner

Last modified: Apr. 12, 2025

The Big Short

Release Date: Friday, December 11, 2015 Limited Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Theaters

Director: Adam McKay

Starring: Christian Bale • Ryan Gosling • Steve Carell • Brad Pitt • Melissa Leo

R Drama N/A

4.12 / 5.0

80% WILL SEE 20% WON'T SEE

Rent or buy

Plot – What's the story about?

Plot: When four outsiders saw what the big banks, media and government refused to, the global collapse of the economy, they had an idea: The Big Short. Their bold investment leads them into the dark underbelly of modern banking where they must question everyone and everything.

Drama True Story

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Who is making The Big Short – Crew List

A look at The Big Short behind-the-scenes crew and production team. The film's director Adam McKay last helmed Don't Look Up and Vice. The film's writer Charles Randolph last penned Bombshell and Love and Other Drugs.

Director: Adam McKay
Screenwriters: Charles Randolph
Adam McKay
Producers: Dede Gardner
Brad Pitt

Studios: Paramount Pictures
Production Company: New Regency Enterprises
Plan B Entertainment

Production – What we know about the The Big Short

Key Facts

The book follows different people involved with creating the credit bubble. The feature adaptation will likely feature several A-list actors in various roles, similar to the cast of Traffic or The Counselor (per Variety, 1-13-15).
Based on Michael Lewis' best-seller The Big Short: Inside The Doomsday Machine about the housing and credit bubble of the 2000s.

Movie Filming Timeline: Production Status Updates

Nov 2015

Completed

Changed The Big Short movie production status. The movie is ready for release.

Sep 2015

Post-Production

Changed the movie production status to Post-Production. The movie is now in the editing and finishing stages.

Apr 2015

Production

Changed the movie production status to Production. Production has begun in New Orleans.

Mar 2014

Development

Changed the movie production status to Development. Adam McKay has signed on to write and direct the film.

Feb 2010

Development

Changed the movie production status to Development. The movie is likely in scripting, budgeting, or stuck in 'development hell.'

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Additional Information

Parent Rating: R Restricted for pervasive language and some sexuality/nudity
Runtime: N/A
Tagline: Not available
Also known as: The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine
Language: English

The Big Short Trailers and Clips

The Big Short

Theatrical Trailer #2

The Big Short

Theatrical Trailer

The Big Short Release Date: When was the film released?

The Big Short was released in limited movie theaters on Friday, December 11 , 2015. There were four other movies released on the same date, including In the Heart of the Sea, Don Verdean and The Ridiculous 6. As a limited release, The Big Short was shown in select movie theaters in major markets.

The Big Short DVD & Blu-ray Release Date

The Big Short is scheduled to be released on DVD and Blu-ray on Tuesday, March 15, 2016. Availability may vary by region. Pre-order your copy of The Big Short today on Amazon.

The Big Short Digital Release Date

The Big Short is coming out across all major streaming and cable platforms on Tuesday, February 23, 2016. Digital rental or purchase allows you to instantly stream and download to watch anywhere and anytime on your favorite devices.