Following on from the successful adaptation of courtroom thriller Presumed Innocent and serial killer miniseries Black Bird, it’s time for another psychological thriller from Apple TV – Cape Fear.
If the title seems familiar, it’s for a reason. It’s an adaptation of the 1950s’ novel The Executioners by John D. MacDonald. The book was first adapted for the screen in 1962, with Robert Mitchum starring as the dangerous criminal who torments an attorney and his wife, played by Gregory Peck and Polly Bergen.
In 1991, Martin Scorsese directed a much darker and more violent cinematic remake. This time, the antagonist was played by Robert De Niro, supported by Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange and Juliette Lewis as the family he terrorises. The movie received several Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations, among other awards, while bolstering De Niro’s acting reputation.
The bar for the new adaptation of Cape Fear is therefore set high. However, the project seems to be in good hands. The creator, Nick Antosca, has written scripts for productions such as Hannibal, The Act, and Brand New Cherry Flavor. In addition to Antosca, the series’ executive producers include Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese himself.
Here’s the most important information about Apple TV’s upcoming thriller.
What is the release date for Cape Fear?
It will debut on Apple TV+ on Friday, 5 June 2025, with a two-episode premiere. The following eight episodes will air on the service weekly until 31 July 2026.
What’s the plot of Cape Fear?
The series focuses on Max Cady, a killer who unexpectedly gets out of prison. Once free, he decides to track down Anna and Tom Bowden, the married attorneys who helped to ensure his conviction. Obsessed with revenge, he stalks the couple, who are unaware of the mortal danger hanging over their heads.
According to Apple TV, The Cape Fear series is inspired by a 1991 Martin Scorsese adaptation of John D. MacDonald’s book.
Apple TV
Who will star in Cape Fear?
Apple has ensured that the series version of Cape Fear features some interesting names.
Javier Bardem will play Max Cady. The Spanish actor boasts a rich portfolio of complex and terrifying characters. He famously portrayed the sociopathic hitman in No Country for Old Men, James Bond’s nemesis in Skyfall, and Stilgar, a fanatic Fremen warrior in Dune.
Amy Adams will star as attorney Anna Bowden. Just like Bardem, the actress is known for playing challenging roles. She has appeared in The Fighter, Nocturnal Animals, Hillbilly Elegy and the HBO thriller series Sharp Objects, among others.
Anna’s husband, lawyer Tom Bowden, will be portrayed by Patrick Wilson. The American actor is best known for the horror series The Conjuring, in which he stars as demonologist Ed Warren. Wilson also appeared in the second season of the thriller Fargo, a spin-off of the Coen brothers’ famous film.
Apple TV
Cape Fear also features:
CCH Pounder as Noa Toussaint
Jullian Dulce Vida as Byron French
Lily Collias as Natalie Bowden
Joe Anders as Zack Bowden
Malia Pyles as Nevaeh Valentine
Anna Baryshnikov
Margarita Levieva
Jamie Hector
Samantha Clifford
Ron Perlman
Ted Levine
Patrick Fischler
Apple TV will probably release a trailer for the series soon, so stay tuned.
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