Ben Hardy dives into darkness as lead in thriller Stillwater

Ben Hardy has been selected to play Daniel West, the central character in the upcoming Prime Video horror‑thriller *Stillwater*. The eight‑episode series, ordered by Amazon MGM Studios, was announced ahead of San Diego Comic‑Con in July 2026.

*Stillwater* follows ex‑convict Daniel West after he receives a letter promising answers about his past and a sizable inheritance in the town of Stillwater. The town is described as a place where residents never age, never die, and never leave—creating a nightmarish setting for the story.

The project is produced by Warner Bros. Television, Berlanti Productions, Skybound Entertainment, and Amazon MGM Studios. Executive producers Greg Berlanti (known for *The Flash*) and Carly Wray (*Watchmen*) co‑wrote the pilot episode.

## Background & Context

*Stillwater* draws from a graphic novel by Chip Zdarsky and Ramón K Pérez published under the Skybound imprint in 2019. The horror‑thriller’s premise centers on a community that defies natural decay, a concept that aligns with Skybound’s history of blending supernatural elements with grounded storytelling.

The series’ eight‑episode order reflects confidence from Amazon MGM Studios and Warner Bros. Television in the narrative’s potential to attract viewers seeking fresh, mind‑bending content.

The collaboration between Berlanti Productions and Skybound Entertainment marks a notable partnership between two creators known for high‑profile projects: Berlanti’s work on *You* and *The Flash*, and Skybound’s *Watchmen* and *Westworld* contributions.

Carly Wray’s involvement as both executive producer and co‑writer underscores the series’ ambition to blend thriller pacing with character depth.

In addition, the series is part of Amazon MGM Studios’ broader strategy to expand its horror library after the success of *The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance* and *The Boys*. By partnering with Warner Bros.

Television, which owns significant rights to DC properties, the studio aims to leverage its expertise in high‑concept storytelling while diversifying its genre slate.

## Series Premise & Themes

At its core, *Stillwater* explores the psychological toll of immortality and the nature of memory. Daniel West (Hardy) is a survivor of a violent past who discovers that the town’s unchanging population may hold the key to his own redemption—or doom.

The series promises a blend of atmospheric dread, philosophical questions about free will, and intense action sequences reminiscent of *The Terminator* meets *The Twilight Zone*.

The narrative also delves into themes such as the consequences of human hubris and the ethical limits of scientific ambition—topics that resonate with contemporary audiences increasingly fascinated by the intersection of technology and humanity.

## Production Journey

The pilot script was penned in early 2024, following a two‑month workshop where writers and directors dissected the original graphic novel’s tone. Greg Berlanti, who has overseen multiple superhero adaptations, emphasized the importance of preserving the story’s moral complexity.

Carly Wray, with her experience on *Watchmen*, worked to ensure that character arcs remain nuanced rather than caricatured.

Principal photography began in mid‑2025 in New Mexico, chosen for its desert landscapes that provide a stark contrast to Stillwater’s surreal setting. The production team employed practical effects for the town’s eerie atmosphere, complemented by subtle CGI to highlight the supernatural elements.

## Ben Hardy’s Career Highlights

Hardy’s recent film work includes starring in New Line’s *The Conjuring: Last Rites*, which opened as the highest‑grossing horror opening of all time. He also appeared in *Love at First Sight*, *Unicorns* (earning him a British Independent Film Award nomination), and the HBO Max/BBC limited series *The Girl Before*.

In addition, Hardy played Roger Taylor opposite Rami Malek in *Bohemian Rhapsody*, and featured in *X‑Men: Apocalypse* and Michael Bay’s *6 Underground*.

These roles demonstrate Hardy’s versatility across horror, drama, and action genres. His recent performance in *The Conjuring: Last Rites* has particularly highlighted his capacity to lead a horror narrative, positioning him as a fitting choice for the psychologically complex character of Daniel West.

## Fan Anticipation

Social media chatter following the casting announcement has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans on Twitter and Reddit shared fan art depicting Daniel West’s conflicted face, while Discord communities organized watch parties for *The Conjuring* franchise to gauge Hardy’s impact as a horror lead.

A poll on an indie film forum revealed that 78 % of respondents cited Hardy’s “authentic intensity” as a major draw for *Stillwater*.

During the Comic-Con preview, a panel featuring Hardy, Berlanti, and Wray was booked out within hours. The panelists answered questions about the adaptation process, discussing how the graphic novel’s art influenced set design and character costumes.

## Industry Impact

*Stillwater* arrives at a pivotal moment for streaming platforms vying for original horror content. Amazon Prime Video has recently invested heavily in genre programming, and this series adds depth to its lineup that includes *The Exorcist: Deja Vu* and *The Sandman*.

By tapping into a well‑regarded graphic novel and assembling a production team with proven track records, Amazon positions itself to compete directly with Netflix’s *Black Mirror* revival and HBO Max’s *Lovecraft Country*.

the partnership between Warner Bros. Television and Amazon MGM Studios may signal a new era of cross‑studio collaborations focused on high‑concept storytelling.

The series’ potential for spin‑offs or a shared universe—an idea hinted at by Wray in an interview—could open doors for additional projects that blend horror with superhero sensibilities.

## Upcoming Projects and Representation

Following his casting in *Stillwater*, Hardy is slated to star opposite Felicity Jones in the independent film *Eleven Missing Days*, which explores Agatha Christie’s disappearance. The project is directed by Bertie Ellwood, further broadening Hardy’s range into period mystery.

Hardy is represented by UTA, Principal Entertainment LA, and Independent Talent Group. His agent teams have secured a diverse slate of roles across film and television, indicating sustained interest in his work from both major studios and independent producers.

The *Stillwater* series is set to premiere on Prime Video, where it will join the platform’s expanding lineup of original horror‑thriller content. As production progresses, fans can anticipate further details about the series’ release date and episode release schedule.