Martin McDonagh, whose combustible mix of black comedy and bloody violence in shows like “The Pillowman” and “Lieutenant of Inishmore” has made him one of the best-known playwrights around, has in recent years turned to the movies. It’s paid off. A short film called “Six Shooter” won best live-action short a few years back. And on Thursday, he received a nomination for best original screenplay for “In Bruges,” a bloody (not surprisingly) comedy-thriller starring Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell, which he also directed.

He’s hinted in recent years he wouldn’t be writing more plays, but The Times has learned some news sure to cheer a blue Broadway. He’s written a new play, “A Behanding in Spokane,” a copy of which the paper has obtained. Unlike his other plays, it’s not set in Ireland; it takes place in “small town America.” The four-member cast includes a “man in mid- to late -40’s who is missing his left hand,” and “a black man and a white chick.” The man missing his left hand, needless to say, wants it back, and the couple, who try to scam him, end up getting tied to a radiator, a bomb threatening to go off if they move. There is lots of blood and gore and hilarity ensues. It’s very Martin McDonagh.

“It’s brand new,” Mr. McDonagh said when asked about the play. “It’s still under wraps but it should be for the next season.” Where it would be performed he said was off the record.

Thrilled over his Oscar nomination, he laughed about the fact that he’s been nominated four times for a Tony but has never won. “I have more luck with the Oscars than the Tonys,” he said.