Apple TV released the official trailer for Cape Fear, an upcoming psychological thriller TV show starring Amy Adams, Patrick Wilson, and Javier Bardem.
Cape Fear is based on the 1957 novel The Executioners, which inspired two movies: 1962’s Cape Fear starring Gregory Peck and 1991’s remake of Cape Fear, directed by Martin Scorsese and produced by Steven Spielberg.
In the 1991 movie, Robert De Niro plays Max Cady, a criminal who, after his release from jail, stalks and preys upon Sam Bowden (Nick Nolte), the lawyer who he blames for putting him behind bars. The movie becomes a cat-and-mouse game between Cady and Bowden, with the former also tormenting the latter’s wife, Leigh (Jessica Lange), and teenage daughter, Danielle (Juliette Lewis).
The TV show will still focus on Cady’s revenge against the Bowdens. However, there’s one major change to the family dynamic.
Why is the change in the Cape Fear TV show trailer a good move?
In Apple TV’s Cape Fear, Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson star as Anna and Tom Bowden, married attorneys responsible for Cady’s incarceration. Anna and Tom were on opposite sides during Cady’s trial and played a role in sending him to prison.
In the 1991 movie, Sam, not his wife, was the only lawyer involved with Cady’s trial. The TV show now incorporates both Bowdens into the legal narrative. With Anna and Tom playing a role in Cady’s sentencing, it better explains why this insane criminal wants his vengeance against the entire family.
Speaking of family, the TV show also adds another Bowden to the fold. In the 1991 movie, Sam and Leigh have one daughter, Danielle. In Apple’s TV show, the Bowdens have two children: Natalie (Lily Collias) and Zack (Joe Anders). In other words, Cady now has another person to target in his revenge mission.
Cape Fear will consist of 10 episodes, with the first two premiering on Apple TV on June 5, 2026. New episodes will air every Friday through July 31, 2026.
