TL;DR
Apple TV has acquired an untitled thriller series that will star Dakota Fanning, who also serves as an executive producer alongside her sister Elle Fanning. The Sony Pictures Television production will be distributed exclusively by Apple TV; Kari Skogland is attached to direct.
What happened
Apple announced it has obtained an untitled thriller series headlined by Dakota Fanning. According to the company’s release — and earlier reporting from Deadline that said Apple won rights in a competitive situation — the series centers on an undercover Treasury agent embedded inside a vast international conglomerate whose reach extends into politics and crime. The agent finds herself torn between completing her mission and a growing conviction that her primary target, the heir apparent to that corrupt power, may be fundamentally good and deserving of her affection. Dakota Fanning will both star and serve as an executive producer; her sister Elle Fanning is also listed as an executive producer. Brittany Kahan Ward and Julie Gardner are among the producing team, and Kari Skogland is credited as an executive producer who will direct. Sony Pictures Television produces the project; Apple TV holds exclusive distribution rights. No release date or series title has been announced.
Why it matters
- Adds a star-led, high-profile thriller to Apple TV’s original slate, boosting its scripted offerings.
- Strengthens and continues Apple’s expanding production relationship with Sony Pictures Television.
- Involves notable creative leadership (Kari Skogland) and the Fannings in production roles, signaling a talent-driven approach.
- Plot elements suggest a blend of political and crime drama that aligns with Apple TV’s recent prestige-television investments.
Key facts
- Dakota Fanning will star as an undercover Treasury agent inside a multibillion-dollar conglomerate.
- The story involves the agent’s conflict between her mission and feelings for her principal target, described as an heir apparent to corrupt power.
- Dakota and Elle Fanning are both credited as executive producers.
- Brittany Kahan Ward and Julie Gardner are also listed as executive producers.
- Kari Skogland is an executive producer on the series and will direct.
- Sony Pictures Television is producing the show.
- Apple TV has exclusive distribution rights for the series.
- Deadline previously reported Apple won the rights in a competitive situation last year.
- No official series title or release schedule has been announced.
- Apple TV's streaming service is noted in the source as available for $12.99 per month.
What to watch next
- Official series title and premiere date — not confirmed in the source.
- Additional casting beyond Dakota Fanning — not confirmed in the source.
- Production timeline and episode count — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether Elle Fanning will appear on screen or only produce — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Executive producer: A senior production role that can involve financial backing, creative oversight, or both, often responsible for major decisions about a project.
- Distributor: A company or platform that finances, markets, and makes a finished film or series available to audiences, for example via streaming or theatrical release.
- Sony Pictures Television: A television production and distribution company that develops and produces scripted and unscripted programming for global markets.
- Undercover agent: A law-enforcement or government official who operates in secret within an organization to gather intelligence or evidence.
Reader FAQ
When will the series premiere?
Not confirmed in the source.
What is the series title?
Not confirmed in the source.
Who is producing and distributing the show?
Sony Pictures Television is producing the series, and Apple TV will distribute it exclusively.
Is Kari Skogland directing?
Yes. Kari Skogland is listed as an executive producer and will direct.
Will Elle Fanning act in the series?
Not confirmed in the source.
Apple Notes could get a powerful new advantage in iOS 26.4, per report Ryan Christoffel Jan 14 2026 APPLE TV Apple TV lands thriller series starring Dakota Fanning Marcus Mendes…
Sources
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