Stephen King Praises Netflix Thriller, Slams Trump as “Waffling Nitwit”
Stephen King has praised the new Netflix thriller A House of Dynamite while taking a sharp jab at President Donald Trump.
The 2025 film, directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Noah Oppenheim, tells the story of the U.S. government responding to a nuclear missile launched by an unknown enemy.
The movie features a large ensemble cast including Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Moses Ingram, Jonah Hauer-King, Greta Lee, and Jason Clarke.
It premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 2, where it was nominated for the Golden Lion. The film was released in select cinemas in the United Kingdom on October 3, in the United States on October 10, and became available for streaming worldwide on Netflix on October 24.
King shared his thoughts on the film, writing: “A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE (Netflix): Terrifying, especially given the unprincipled, waffling nitwit now occupying the White House…or what remains of it.” In his comment, King praised the movie’s tension and suspense while using the story as a lens to comment on current politics.
By calling the sitting president a “waffling nitwit,” he drew a parallel between the film’s high-stakes political scenario and real-world concerns about leadership.
A House of Dynamite has been noted for its suspenseful storytelling and ensemble performances. King’s remarks highlight how fiction can sometimes reflect the anxieties and uncertainties of real life, making the thriller feel especially relevant to contemporary audiences.
BREAKING: The Trailer for Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite Just Dropped
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King’s reaction shows how a political thriller can resonate beyond the screen. While the film is fictional, it clearly struck a chord with viewers thinking about real-world politics and leadership challenges.
What do you think? Does King’s take make the movie more impactful, or should it be viewed as pure entertainment? Share your thoughts in the comments.