History of Train Dreams (film) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 16, 2025

Train Dreams, a 2025 American drama film directed by Clint Bentley, adapts Denis Johnson's 2011 novella. The screenplay is co-written by Bentley and Greg Kwedar. The film features a cast including Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Clifton Collins Jr., Kerry Condon and William H. Macy. The film is a drama.

2011: Novella publication

In 2011, Denis Johnson published the novella Train Dreams, which would later be adapted into a film.

February 2024: Production Announcement

In February 2024, Black Bear was reported to be producing Train Dreams as an adaptation of the Denis Johnson 2011 novella. Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar were attached as writers, with Clint Bentley directing. Felicity Jones and Joel Edgerton were announced as starring in the film. Marissa McMahon and Ashley Schlaifer for Kamala Films, and Will Janowitz, and Teddy Schwarzman and Michael Heimler for Black Bear were announced as producers.

April 2024: Principal photography commencement

In April 2024, principal photography for Train Dreams began in Washington. Filming locations included Snoqualmie, Spokane, Metaline Falls, and Colville.

May 2024: Casting Additions

In May 2024, Kerry Condon, William H. Macy, and Clifton Collins Jr. joined the cast of Train Dreams.

January 26, 2025: World premiere at Sundance Film Festival

On January 26, 2025, Train Dreams had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.

November 7, 2025: Select cinemas release in the United States

On November 7, 2025, Train Dreams was released in select cinemas in the United States.

November 8, 2025: Stockholm International Film Festival competition

On November 8, 2025, Train Dreams competed in the Stockholm Competition of the 2025 Stockholm International Film Festival.

November 21, 2025: Streaming debut on Netflix

On November 21, 2025, Train Dreams made its streaming debut on Netflix.

2025: American drama film release

In 2025, the American drama film Train Dreams, directed by Clint Bentley, was released. The screenplay was co-written by Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar, and was based on the 2011 novella of the same name by Denis Johnson. The film stars Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Clifton Collins Jr., Kerry Condon, and William H. Macy.