Martin Scorsese’s ‘Cape Fear’ TV remake finally gets major release update — here's what we know so far
Apple TV's upcoming series starring 'Skyfall' star Javier Bardem, Patrick Wilson, and Amy Adams has a major release date, along with first-look images. The streamer dropped the updates at Apple TV’s 2026 Press Day on February 3. The ten-episode series is based on John D. MacDonald’s 1957 novel “The Executioners” as well as Martin Scorsese’s 1991 film of the same name.
The series sees Scorsese serve as an executive producer on the new series, as does Steven Spielberg, who previously executive-produced Scorsese’s adaptation. Variety's description of the logline reads, "In this version of the story, which examines 'America’s obsession with true crime in the 21st century' according to an official description, “a storm is coming for happily married attorneys Anna (Adams) and Tom Bowden (Wilson) when Max Cady (Bardem), the notorious killer they are responsible for putting behind bars, is let out of prison — and he wants vengeance."
Rounding up the cast are Joe Anders, Lily Collias, Jamie Hector, Malia Pyles, Anna Baryshnikov, Ron Perlman, Ted Levine, CCH Pounder, and Margarita Levieva. During the panel, Adams shed light on Bardem's Cady. "He also brings a lot of vulnerability, and there’s so much devastation in this betrayal," the 'Man of Steel' star said. "I look forward to you guys getting to see it." Showrunner Nick Antosca added, "The first moment the show, to me, is about ambient dread,” Antosca said. “And it reflects the atmosphere of being alive in 2026, with its uncertainties and ambiguities and paranoia."
The movie's synopsis reads, "When attorney Sam Bowden (Nick Nolte) knowingly withholds evidence that would acquit violent sex offender Max Cady (Robert De Niro) of rape charges, Max spends 14 years in prison. But after Max's release, knowing about Sam's deceit, he devotes his life to stalking and destroying the Bowden family. When practical attempts to stop Max fail, Sam realizes that he must act outside the law to protect his wife and daughter in Martin Scorsese's remake of the classic 1962 thriller."
'Cape Fear' premieres with two episodes on June 5 on Apple TV+.