Anne Hathaway is set to return to television in the gripping true crime series Fear Not, premiering soon on Paramount+. The six-episode drama centers on serial killer Stephen Morin, whose crimes are said to exceed even those of Ted Bundy. Hathaway plays Margy Palm, the final woman abducted by Morin, in this intense retelling that explores the complex and unlikely relationship between victim and captor.
From Early Television Appearances to Acclaimed Dramas
Hathaway’s television career includes only two major series roles. Her earliest was in 1999’s teenage drama Get Real, where she acted alongside Jesse Eisenberg. More recently, in 2022, she portrayed Rebekah Neumann in Apple TV+’s WeWork. While the limited series drew criticism, especially toward Jared Leto’s leading role, critics praised Hathaway’s portrayal of WeWork’s former chief brand and impact officer as a standout performance.
Story of a Serial Killer and His Last Captive Inspires Series
The series Fear Not tells the harrowing story of Stephen Morin, a notorious serial killer accused of numerous crimes across several states. Upon abducting Margy Palm, what began as a terrifying captivity gradually shifted into a relationship marked by compassion, prayer, and courage. Palm’s belief that Morin was capable of change forged a rare connection that persisted even after her rescue and until Morin’s execution.
Creative Team and Production Details Behind ‹Fear Not›
MGM Television produces the series, with a robust team of executive producers including showrunner Bash Doran, who previously wrote for Broadwalk Empire. Other key producers are Stacey Levin from Toluca Pictures, Helen Estabrook representing Vanity Fair Studios, and Hathaway herself with her team at Somewhere Pictures, alongside Margy Palm and her family. Jane Wiseman, Paramount+’s Head of Originals, expressed enthusiasm for the project and its talented cast and crew.
“At Paramount+, we are always looking for stories that captivate and entertain our audience, and this series will do exactly that. By grounding this chilling true story in the lived experience of our protagonist, Anne is bringing a level of nuance and gravity to the screen that only a performer of her caliber can. We are thrilled to collaborate with Anne, Bash and the rest of this illustrious team and we can’t wait for viewers to see what is sure to be an enthralling limited series.” – Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals at Paramount+
A Lengthy Path from Page to Screen
Fear Not is based on the Vanity Fair article “Sympathy for the Devil,” which spotlighted the unusual relationship between Palm and Morin. The series experienced a competitive development phase in late 2023, with Amazon Prime Video initially securing rights. However, after Prime Video chose not to proceed with the project, Paramount+ successfully acquired the series, signaling a strong commitment to producing this intense drama.
Anne Hathaway’s Upcoming Projects and Impact on True Crime Genre
Besides Fear Not, Hathaway has a number of films lined up, including the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada and Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey. However, this new true crime role offers fans a return to the darker material where Hathaway previously earned critical acclaim, notably when she won an Oscar for Rachel Getting Married. Her involvement promises a serious, tense portrayal of a story that deeply unsettles and compels audiences alike.
