If you’ve spent the last decade waiting for Zach Galifianakis to return to that specific brand of "uncomfortable but genius" comedy that made The Hangover a cultural reset, you’re in luck. The beard is back. But this time, it’s less about waking up with a tiger in a bathroom and more about the high-stakes, pretentious, and surprisingly cutthroat world of fine art.
The Zach Galifianakis new movie everyone is buzzing about is titled The Gallerist.
It’s a dark comedy thriller directed by Cathy Yan—the mastermind behind Birds of Prey—and it’s already causing a stir following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2026. If you think the art world is just people staring at white canvases and nodding solemnly, this movie is here to tell you it’s actually a bloodbath.
What is The Gallerist Actually About?
Basically, the plot follows Polina Polinski (played by Natalie Portman), a high-end gallerist who is white-knuckling her way toward a massive premiere at Art Basel. She’s got everything riding on an emerging artist named Stella Burgess, played by the incredible Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
Enter Zach Galifianakis.
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He plays Dalton Hardberry. He’s an "art influencer," which is a job title that sounds fake but is terrifyingly real in 2026. Dalton is the kind of guy who can make or break a career with a single snarky post. In the film, he shows up to an early preview and proceeds to absolutely trash everything Polina has worked for. He hates the gallery. He hates the artist. He probably hates the air everyone is breathing.
But then, he sees it. A massive sculpture called "The Emasculator."
Suddenly, the vibe shifts from a mean-spirited critique to a viral frenzy. The sculpture goes nuclear on social media, attracting a legendary and ruthless art dealer named Marianne Gorman (Catherine Zeta-Jones). From there, the movie spirals into what critics are calling a "ruthless machine" of ego and ambition.
The Cast is Kind of Overwhelming
Honestly, looking at the call sheet for The Gallerist feels like someone used a cheat code. It’s not just Zach and Natalie. You’ve also got:
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- Jenna Ortega: Fresh off her Wednesday and Beetlejuice momentum, playing a role that adds some serious Gen Z edge to the art-house drama.
- Sterling K. Brown: Bringing his usual gravitas to a world that desperately needs some grounding.
- Catherine Zeta-Jones: Playing the "final boss" of art dealers.
- Charli XCX: Yes, the "Brat" summer icon herself is in this, making her big-screen debut.
It’s a weird mix. But it works because the art world is weird.
Why This Isn't Just Another "Hangover" Clone
A lot of people hear "Zach Galifianakis comedy" and expect pratfalls and shouting. That’s not what’s happening here. Dalton Hardberry is a more refined version of the Galifianakis we saw in Between Two Ferns. He’s biting, he’s arrogant, and he’s deeply, deeply annoying in a way that is hilarious to watch.
The movie wrapped filming back in February 2025, and the buzz since then has been about the tone. It’s a "dark comedy thriller." That means it’s funny until it isn't. Cathy Yan is known for a very specific visual flair, and pairing her style with Zach’s deadpan delivery is a stroke of genius.
The Other "New" Zach Galifianakis Movie: Lilo & Stitch
If a dark thriller about art influencers isn't your speed, there is the other big project.
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Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch hit theaters in May 2025 and became a massive $1 billion hit. If you haven't caught it on Disney+ yet, you’re missing out on Zach’s performance as Dr. Jumba Jookiba.
Interesting trivia: Zach was originally offered the role of Pleakley (the skinny, one-eyed alien). He turned it down to play Jumba because he felt he could bring more "mad scientist energy" to the creator of Stitch. He ended up playing the role in a human disguise for much of the film, which allowed his physical comedy to shine through.
What Most People Get Wrong About Zach’s Current Career
There’s a misconception that Zach Galifianakis disappeared. He didn’t. He just got very picky.
After the massive success of The Beanie Bubble on Apple TV+, where he played the eccentric Ty Warner, he shifted away from the "goofy sidekick" roles. He’s moved into what I’d call the "Complex Weirdo" phase of his career. He’s playing characters with power—whether that’s the power of a billionaire toy mogul or the power of an art influencer who can destroy a gallery with a hashtag.
How to Watch The Gallerist
Since the movie just premiered at Sundance in January 2026, here is the roadmap for how you can actually see it:
- Theatrical Release: Expect a wide release in late Spring or early Summer 2026. Dark comedies usually thrive in that "pre-blockbuster" window.
- Streaming: Given that the film was financed by MRC and features such a heavy-hitting cast, a bidding war for streaming rights is likely. Don't be surprised if it lands on a platform like Netflix or Apple TV+ by Autumn 2026.
- The Soundtrack: Keep an ear out for the music. With Charli XCX in the cast and a score by Andrew Orkin and Joe Shirley, the "vibe" of this movie is just as important as the script.
Actionable Insight: If you're a fan of Zach's more acerbic, dry humor, go back and re-watch Between Two Ferns: The Movie on Netflix before seeing The Gallerist. It’ll prime your brain for the specific type of "hateful intellectual" character he’s perfected for this new role. Also, keep an eye on the official Sundance social channels for the first teaser trailer, which is expected to drop any day now.