Cape Fear Remake: Javier Bardem Turns Into a Killer

Javier Bardem will soon be causing terror in "Cape Fear", the series remake of Martin Scorsese's classic film. In this new version, he takes on the role of the vengeful murderer Max Cady, who was previously portrayed hauntingly on screen by Robert De Niro. We will find out how Bardem fares as the killer from June 5, 2026, when the new series starts on Apple TV.

In addition to Bardem, other well-known Hollywood stars can also be seen in "Cape Fear", as the first images from the series show. Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson play the two happily married lawyers Anna and Tom Bowden, whose lives are turned upside down when Max Cady is released from prison. As the couple had once ensured that the murderer was put behind bars, he is now bent on revenge - and will not let up until he has achieved his goal. Other cast members include Joe Anders, Lily Collias, Malia Pyles and Anna Baryshnikov.

Not the first reinterpretation of Cape Fear

Scorsese's 1991 film is in turn based on the 1957 novel "The Executioners" by John D. MacDonald. The first film adaptation of the book was made in 1962, also under the title "Cape Fear". Directed by J. Lee Thompson, the film starred Robert Mitchum as the notorious Max Cady. Scorsese is also involved this time in the reinterpretation of his thriller "Cape Fear". Alongside the no less famous director Steven Spielberg, he is acting as executive producer. Nick Antosca, who is on board as showrunner for the series, is responsible for the screenplays.

Incidentally, the fact that there is also a Simpsons version of "Cape Fear" shows just how firmly anchored the material is in pop culture. In the episode from 1993 entitled "Cape Fear", Scorsese's classic is parodied with relish in numerous scenes. The killer Max Cady's alter ego becomes the no less vengeful Sideshow Bob, who once again targets his arch-enemy Bart Simpson in the episode.

At Apple TV's 2026 Press Day, Antosca presented the series together with lead actors Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson, as Variety reports. The showrunner emphasized that he had reimagined the original story. However, he was inspired by the tone of the Scorsese adaptation, which in his eyes can be seen as a horror genre film. Adams spoke about her co-star Bardem, who puts his own stamp on the psychopath Max Cady: "He also brings a lot of vulnerability," she revealed, adding: "I look forward to you guys getting to see it."

Javier Bardem: Not the first killer performance

This is not the first time that Bardem has embodied a completely crazy villain. Back in 2007, he played the ruthless killer Anton Chigurh in Ethan and Joel Coen's thriller "No Country for Old Men". And how! Bardem was showered with praise. His impressive performance made Anton Chigurh an unforgettable film character. With this role at the latest, he replaced his compatriot Antonio Banderas as Hollywood's model Spaniard. Especially as it brought the actor, who has been nominated several times, the only Oscar of his career to date. It will be interesting to see whether he leaves a similarly lasting impression as the killer in the new series "Cape Fear" alongside Patrick Wilson und Amy Adams.