Anne Hathaway is set to return to television in the true crime genre by portraying Margy Palm, a victim of the notorious serial killer Stephen Morin, who is accused of committing more murders than Ted Bundy. The six-episode Paramount+ series, titled Fear Not, will explore the complex relationship that developed between Palm and Morin during her captivity in the 1980s.
Background and Previous TV Roles of Hathaway
Hathaway’s television work has been limited, with only two main roles prior to this project. Her first significant TV role was in 1999, starring alongside Jesse Eisenberg in the short-lived teen drama Get Real. More recently, in early 2022, she appeared as Rebekah Neumann in the Apple TV+ limited series WeWork. While the show received mixed to negative reviews, especially for Jared Leto‘s performance, Hathaway’s portrayal of the former chief brand and impact officer was noted as a highlight of the series.
The Story Behind Fear Not and Its Production
Fear Not centers on Stephen Morin, a prolific serial killer whose crimes surpassed even those of infamous killer Ted Bundy. The series focuses on Margy Palm, the last woman Morin kidnapped, and the paradoxical bond that developed between abductor and captive. Initially a hostage situation, Palm’s conviction that Morin could change led to a complex relationship marked by compassion, prayer, and courage. This unusual connection persisted beyond her rescue and lasted until Morin was sentenced to death.
The series is produced by MGM Television and executive produced by Bash Doran, a former Boardwalk Empire writer who also penned the script, along with Stacey Levin, Adam Shulman, Helen Estabrook, Johnathan Rice, and Hathaway herself. The show is based on the Vanity Fair article “Sympathy for the Devil,” chronicling Palm’s extraordinary experience.
Development Journey and Industry Response
Fear Not experienced an extended development period before reaching Paramount+. Initially, a bidding war occurred in late 2023, with Prime Video winning the rights but eventually opting out of production. Paramount+ later acquired the project, securing Hathaway and the creative team.
Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals at Paramount+, praised the series’ potential to captivate audiences, highlighting Hathaway’s talent in bringing complexity and depth to the lead role.
“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+
Anne Hathaway’s Upcoming Projects and the Significance of Fear Not
Alongside Fear Not, Anne Hathaway has several film projects lined up, including the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada and Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, The Odyssey. However, Fear Not offers a darker, more intense role that taps into the kind of dramatic performance that earned Hathaway an Oscar for her work in Rachel Getting Married. This series provides a challenging and gripping opportunity for Hathaway to dive into tense, true crime storytelling, appealing to fans who appreciate her depth and range.
The show’s release on Paramount+ is highly anticipated, promising a gripping exploration of survival, psychological complexity, and unexpected human connections within the horror of serial crime. As viewers await this limited series, it signals a significant return for Hathaway to television and the true crime narrative space, amplifying her reputation for compelling performances in challenging roles.
