Javier Bardem to Star in Cape Fear Series from Spielberg, Scorsese

Javier Bardem is set to play a lead role in a new Cape Fear series from executive producers Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese.

Bardem will be following in the footsteps of Robert Mitchum and Robert De Niro to portray infamous killer Max Cady, who is set for a showdown with married attorneys Amanda and Steve Bowden after getting out of prison.

Apple TV+ has picked up the show for 10 episodes, with Nick Antosca (Hannibal) serving as writer, executive producer, and showrunner.

The Cape Fear series was first reported to be in development in 2023. Its source material is John D. MacDonald’s 1957 novel The Executioners, which in turn inspired the Gregory Peck-starring 1962 film Camp Fear and the 1991 remake. The latter was directed by Scorsese and produced by Spielberg, with Nick Nolte and Jessica Lange in lead roles opposite De Niro.

Interestingly enough, the 1991 Cape Fear remake was originally Spielberg’s project while Scorsese worked on Schindler’s List. They ended up swapping films, and now the series adaption will serve as their first TV collaboration.

Bardem recently starred in both Dune movies as well as Season 2 of Monsters on Netflix. Next up, he’s set to appear alongside Brad Pitt in the feature film F1, which will be distributed by Apple TV+ and premiere in June 2025.