John Malkovich is set to star alongside Joel Kinnaman in the new Amazon Prime Video series Bishop, confirmed by Variety. This highly anticipated show, acquired by Prime Video in September 2025, centers on Malkovich’s character in a gripping thriller set in San Francisco.
Homicide detective Bishop Graves (Kinnaman) – brilliant, battle-scarred – will put all of his skills to the test in the hunt for an elusive killer targeting San Francisco’s moneyed class. As this increasingly audacious killer develops a devoted following among the city’s powerless, Bishop becomes convinced these murders connect back to SF’s most powerful man, his own father, Lincoln Graves (Malkovich).
About John Malkovich’s Role and Career Highlights
John Malkovich portrays Lincoln Graves, the powerful and enigmatic father of detective Bishop Graves. Malkovich brings decades of acting experience to the role, having earned two Academy Award nominations for In the Line of Fire and Places in the Heart. His television appearances include notable series such as Netflix’s Space Force, Showtime’s Billions, and HBO’s The New Pope.
He is also recognized for his distinguished work on stage, especially with Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and has earned a Primetime Emmy Award for the 1986 TV movie adaptation of Death of a Salesman. Other film roles include Being John Malkovich, Burn After Reading, and Of Mice and Men. Malkovich is represented by WME.
Creative Team Behind Bishop and Production Details
Bishop is created and executive produced by Little Marvin and Tony Saltzman. Little Marvin also serves as the showrunner. The series is produced under Amazon MGM Studios, where Little Marvin holds an overall deal. Along with Marvin and Saltzman, executive producers include Roy Lee and Miri Yoon from Vertigo.
The show’s narrative explores the psychological tension between Bishop Graves and his father, Lincoln, set against a backdrop of a city grappling with violent crime and social unrest. The storyline’s focus on San Francisco’s elite and the city’s marginalized communities introduces a complex dynamic that promises to engage viewers thoughtfully.
The Potential Impact of the John Malkovich Bishop Series
With John Malkovich joining Joel Kinnaman in Bishop, Amazon Prime Video is poised to deliver a compelling crime drama with layered characters and intense emotional stakes. Malkovich’s distinguished presence, combined with a script that intertwines family conflict and social commentary, marks the series as a promising addition to the streaming platform’s lineup.
The show stands to attract fans of crime thrillers and character-driven dramas while offering a fresh perspective through its San Francisco setting. As production progresses, industry watchers will be keen to see how this collaboration unfolds and how it resonates with audiences seeking complex storytelling on streaming platforms.
