The series comes from writer and showrunner Alex Cary, whose previous credits include the espionage drama A Spy Among Friends and the political thriller Homeland. The project is being developed as a high-stakes thriller centered on global power, corruption and the complicated choices faced by people operating within the world of covert intelligence.
Fanning leads the series as an undercover Treasury agent embedded inside a powerful multinational corporation. The organisation at the centre of her investigation has influence stretching across political and criminal networks worldwide, making it one of the most dangerous targets she has ever pursued.
However, her mission becomes complicated when she begins to question her own assumptions about the company’s heir apparent — the person she was assigned to investigate. Despite his connection to a vast system of corruption, she comes to believe that he may be fundamentally different from the empire he is expected to inherit. That conflict forces her to choose between loyalty to her assignment and her growing feelings for the man at the centre of the investigation.
Watson will portray Dawn, a series regular character who serves as a handler overseeing covert operations for the United States government. Her role places her at the centre of the intelligence world, guiding agents through complex and high-risk missions.
The previously announced cast includes acclaimed Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård, Daryl McCormack, Grace Gummer and Joely Richardson.
A Star-Studded Creative Team Behind the Thriller
Produced by Sony Pictures Television, the untitled thriller is executive produced by Cary, who also created the series and serves as showrunner. The project is produced through his overall deal with Sony Pictures Television and his FLW Productions banner.
Additional executive producers include Julie Gardner of Bad Wolf America, known for projects such as Lady in the Lake and Doctor Who. Elle Fanning will executive produce alongside Dakota Fanning and Brittany Kahan Ward through Lewellen Pictures, the production company behind projects including Margo’s Got Money Troubles and The Great.
Kari Skogland, whose directing credits include Smoke and The Handmaid’s Tale, will direct episodes of the series and serve as an executive producer.
Watson’s Expanding Television and Film Career
The casting continues a strong run for Watson, who has recently taken on a range of major television roles.
She was most recently seen in a recurring role on ABC/Hulu’s High Potential and starred in Netflix’s Shondaland limited series The Residence.
However, Watson remains best recognised for her portrayal of Beth Pearson on NBC’s critically acclaimed family drama This Is Us. Her performance earned her multiple honours, including consecutive Screen Actors Guild Awards as part of the ensemble cast, AFI Awards recognition, and individual nominations from the NAACP Image Awards and Critics Choice Awards.
Beyond television, Watson has built an impressive film career. She will next appear in Netflix’s Don’t Ever Wonder, directed by Eugene Ashe.
Her previous film work includes Marielle Heller’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, where she starred alongside Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys.
Watson has also expanded her work behind the camera. She served as executive producer and star of HBO’s adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ acclaimed work Between the World and Me, and executive produced Hulu’s drama film Premature.
Represented by Authentic, UTA and Jackoway Austen Tyerman, Watson’s latest role adds another major project to a career defined by emotionally complex characters and socially relevant storytelling.