Paramount+ Greenlights Gripping Anne Hathaway True Crime Series—Here’s What We Know So Far

Well, this is definitely one of the more unexpected pitches I’ve heard for a true crime show – and with Anne Hathaway at the center, no less. Paramount+ just greenlit 'Fear Not,' a six-episode limited series with Oscar-winner Hathaway in the lead, and it’s based on a wild and pretty obscure real-life story from Texas. If you think ‘true crime’ is feeling a little stale, this one might shake things up a bit.

What ‘Fear Not’ Is About (And Why It’s So Oddly Intriguing)

The show pulls its inspiration from a 2023 Vanity Fair article (yeah, this is one of those 'based on a long-read you probably missed' projects). At the center is Stephen Morin, another name in the pantheon of American serial killers – except, apparently, he racked up more accusations than Ted Bundy. Not a stat you want to be famous for.

Enter Margy Palm, played by Hathaway. In 1981, Morin kidnapped her and what should have ended with tragedy actually turned into something far stranger: a hostage situation that morphed into... spiritual therapy? Compassion? According to what we know, Margy leaned hard on her faith and, somehow, ended up making an impact on Morin that lasted right up to his execution. They kept in touch even after she was safely returned. If this sounds like Stockholm Syndrome, it actually goes in a really different direction – apparently more about redemption and faith than romanticizing the violence.

Behind the Scenes: Who’s Making It Happen?

• Anne Hathaway isn’t just starring; she gets a producer credit, too. (Not her first time producing, but notably, this is her big move back to TV after 'WeCrashed' in 2022.)
• The script’s coming from Bash Doran, who’s got pretty heavy credentials with projects like 'Outlaw King' and 'Boardwalk Empire.'
• The production teams are stacked: Toluca Pictures, Vanity Fair Studios, and Somewhere Pictures are all backing it. Some family members of the real Margy Palm are on the executive producer list, which is always interesting – it might mean the show sticks closer to her side of the story.

Paramount+ says they’re 'always looking for stories that captivate and entertain.' In corporate-speak, what they’re really saying is that Anne Hathaway brings a level of credibility and depth that a story like this actually needs – otherwise, it could get exploitative real fast. Here’s what network exec Jane Wiseman said, and honestly, I can’t disagree:

'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.'

When’s It Coming?

This isn't dropping anytime soon. They’re eyeing a 2027 premiere, so if you’re hyped for this, don’t hold your breath. Maybe check out the Vanity Fair article in the meantime if you want the real-life details spoiled.

So, yeah – Hathaway, faith, serial killers, and a plot that feels as much about hope as about horror. I didn’t have 'Anne Hathaway leads a spiritual thriller miniseries based on an obscure Texas crime' on my TV bingo card, but here we are.