Anne Hathaway's unthinkable bond in 'Fear Not' is darker than expected and it's based on a true story
Few actors working today generate as much conversation and admiration as Anne Hathaway. Being an Oscar winner and a multiple-time nominee, it’s an honor only a few in Hollywood have ever achieved. The actress has spent nearly two decades dominating the big screen across prestige dramas, romantic comedies, musicals, and blockbuster franchises. From early acclaim to global stardom, she’s among the rare ones who know how to balance commercial appeal with critical acclaim. Now, after essentially ruling the movie space, Hathaway is making an unexpected move and is headed to try her hand in the streaming space yet again to headline a new Paramount+ series that signals a fresh chapter in her career.
According to Deadline, Paramount+ has officially greenlit 'Fear Not', a six-part limited series starring and executive-produced by Anne Hathaway. Bash Doran is serving as a writer of the project, known for her work in HBO’s 'Boardwalk Empire' alongside Steve Stark’s Toluca Pictures and MGM Television. The outlet revealed that the upcoming series “tells the story of prolific serial killer Stephen Morin, accused of more crimes than Ted Bundy, and the unlikely bond he formed with Margy Palm (Hathaway), the last woman he ever kidnapped. Morin’s abduction of Palm, which started as a deadly captive situation, took an unlikely turn; one that included compassion, prayer, and profound courage. Palm’s devotion to her faith and her insistence that Morin could be transformed became the impetus of a relationship that lasted long after Palm was returned to safety, until Morin received the death penalty.”
'Fear Not' is based on an article from Vanity Fair in 2023, ‘True Crime, True Faith: The Serial Killer and the Texas Mom Who Stopped Him’, and promises a blend of psychological drama, moral complexities, and crime. The show has become Paramount+’s first significant acquisition under Cindy Holland, the Chair of Direct to Consumer for the platform, and Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals. Following a competitive bidding process in September 2025, the project was awarded to the streaming platform. It happened weeks after Skydance solidified its acquisition of Paramount Global in August 2025. Most likely, Anne Hathaway’s star power will be the driving force behind encouraging people to give the show a try.
Anne Hathaway leaning towards acting in a limited series is also a notable pivot for her. It’s not new for A-listers to take the streaming route, but 'Fear Not' has positioned Hathaway at the center of a grounded, real-world narrative, steering away from franchise spectacle. As she is playing the role of the lead while also being the executive producer, her creative influence over the storytelling is going to be something people are curious to see unfold. Anne was last seen in the 2022 miniseries 'WeCrashed,' playing Rebekah Neumann alongside another Oscar-winning star, Jared Leto. The show was based on the Wondery podcast of the same name, telling the story of WeWork's rise and fall through the lens of the eccentric couple.
Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest years of Anne Hathaway’s career. She is set to star in several anticipated projects like 'The Devil Wears Prada 2', 'The Odyssey', 'Verity', and 'Mother Mary'.
