Apple TV+ Drops a Thriller Bombshell with New Casting News: Liev Schreiber, Zazie Beetz, and Stephen Graham to Star in a Killer Series
Get ready, Apple TV+ subscribers—things are about to get seriously intense. The streaming giant has officially announced the cast for its highly anticipated crime thriller based on the best-selling books by Lars Kepler. And the lineup? Absolutely stacked.
Leading the charge is none other than Liev Schreiber, best known for his gritty turn as Ray Donovan. He’ll be playing Jonah Lynn, a homicide detective from Philly who makes a dramatic shift in life—both professionally and emotionally—when he moves to Western Pennsylvania. But things don’t exactly quiet down in his new hometown. In fact, they get way darker.
Alongside Schreiber is the ever-talented Zazie Beetz, whose performance chops have consistently impressed audiences in everything from Atlanta to Joker. She’s taking on the role of Jonah’s adopted daughter, now an FBI agent, who joins him in unraveling one of the darkest cases they’ve ever faced.
And then comes the twist—Stephen Graham, that powerhouse of a performer who never shies away from complex roles, will be bringing the chills as a disturbing serial killer that this unlikely father-daughter team is chasing. If Graham’s past work in A Thousand Blows or Adolescence gave you the creeps, get ready to feel a whole new level of unease.
What’s the Story About?
If the names and roles haven’t already pulled you in, here’s where the real hook lies—the show draws inspiration from Lars Kepler’s dark, Nordic noir-style crime novels, specifically the fourth in the Joona Linna series, titled The Sandman. The original novels revolve around Swedish police officer Joona Linna, but this adaptation puts a uniquely American twist on the chilling material.
You might not recognize the name “Lars Kepler” right away—and that’s because it’s a pseudonym for husband-wife writing duo Alexander and Alexandra Ahndoril. Their gripping storytelling has captivated international audiences, and this adaptation marks an exciting new chapter in their work’s journey to mainstream American screens.
Meet the Dream Team Behind the Scenes
The creative crew is no less impressive. Rowan Joffe, known for his tight, psychological storytelling, has been tapped to write all ten episodes and will also serve as co-showrunner. He’ll be teaming up with John Hlavin, bringing a dynamic force to the helm of the series.
And when it comes to direction, viewers are in for a treat. Tim Van Patten—yes, the same director who gave us memorable episodes of The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire, and Game of Thrones—will be directing the first two episodes. If that doesn't scream “cinematic quality,” nothing does.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:
🔪 Genre: Psychological Crime Thriller
📚 Based On: The Sandman by Lars Kepler
🎬 Episodes: 10 (written by Rowan Joffe)
🎥 Director (Ep. 1 & 2): Tim Van Patten
🎭 Main Cast: Liev Schreiber, Zazie Beetz, Stephen Graham
🌟 Executive Producers: Liev Schreiber & Zazie Beetz
A Deeper Look at the Cast
Liev Schreiber has been busier than ever since his acclaimed seven-season stint as the complex, brooding “fixer” Ray Donovan. His recent work in The Perfect Couple and A Small Light shows he’s still in peak form—and now, as Jonah Lynn, he gets to explore new layers of intensity, grief, and determination.
Zazie Beetz is no stranger to high-profile projects, either. With standout performances in Atlanta, sketch comedy gold in History of the World: Part II, and a haunting role in Black Mirror’s "Mazey Day," Beetz brings depth and sharp emotional beats to everything she does. Her character in this new series—an adopted daughter turned FBI agent—promises to offer a fascinating dynamic and perhaps even emotional tension between her and Schreiber's character.
Stephen Graham has long flown under the radar despite his incredible acting range, but roles like the troubled boxer in A Thousand Blows and the emotionally torn father in Adolescence have solidified his rep as a chameleon. As a serial killer, Graham could easily steal every scene he’s in, adding a layer of dread and mystery that’s key to a thriller of this caliber.
Why This Show Has All the Right Ingredients
Let’s face it—TV thrillers are having a moment. But not all of them deliver on atmosphere, character development, or real suspense. This one looks like it’s about to raise the bar. Here's why:
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A-list Cast: Each lead actor has proven their ability to carry emotionally complex, gritty material.
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Solid Source Material: Lars Kepler’s books are international bestsellers for a reason. This isn’t just another crime series—it’s adapted from a story that already captivated millions.
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Experienced Creative Team: With Joffe, Hlavin, and Van Patten steering the ship, this isn't just a TV series—it’s practically cinematic.
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Unique Family Dynamic: The twist of a father-daughter team (with an adoption backstory) brings a fresh emotional core to a genre that often leans heavily on lone wolves or mismatched partners.
When Can You Watch It?
While Apple TV+ hasn’t dropped a specific release date just yet, filming is expected to kick off soon. Given the high-profile nature of the cast and production team, fans can probably expect a 2025 premiere. And honestly? It can’t come soon enough.
In the meantime, if you're new to the Joona Linna books, it might be worth picking up The Sandman before the show drops. That way, you’ll get to see how the show puts its unique spin on the novel—and spot all the differences and Easter eggs.
Final Thoughts
Apple TV+ seems to be pulling out all the stops with this one. It’s not every day you get a thriller with this level of talent both on-screen and behind the scenes. The blend of psychological depth, family drama, and edge-of-your-seat suspense could make this show a standout in the crowded streaming space.
And if Liev Schreiber chasing Stephen Graham across rural Pennsylvania with Zazie Beetz cracking federal-level cases doesn’t scream “binge-worthy,” then honestly—what does?
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