**The primary driver of trader sentiment for "By Any Means" Rotten Tomatoes expectations is the September 4, 2026 theatrical release and the initial wave of critic reviews that will determine the Tomatometer shortly afterward.** Directed by Elegance Bratton and written by Sascha Penn, the Paramount historical crime thriller pairs Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as a young Black FBI agent with Mark Wahlberg as mafia hitman Greg Scarpa in a 1960s Mississippi investigation of civil rights murders, inspired by real events. Trailers and true-story featurettes released over the summer have highlighted the uneasy alliance and period setting, while the ensemble—including Nicole Beharie, Giancarlo Esposito, and David Strathairn—adds prestige appeal. Bratton’s prior work drew strong critical notice, but Wahlberg’s recent projects have shown mixed results, and pre-release tracking remains limited with no reviews or audience scores available yet. Key upcoming catalysts include opening-weekend reviews, any guild or critics’ circle early reactions, and how the film’s blend of thriller elements and historical narrative lands with reviewers before the Polymarket resolution window closes.