British actor Stephen Graham is taking on a chilling new role in Nocturne, an upcoming crime thriller that casts him as a manipulative serial killer. In a recent interview with TODAY, Graham discussed playing the disturbing character in a project that marks his next major screen role after the success of Adolescence.

The 10-episode series also stars Liev Schreiber and Zazie Beetz. Set in a small Pennsylvania town, the thriller follows a former homicide detective whose attempt to start a quieter life is disrupted by a dangerous criminal connected to a series of disappearances.

Stephen Graham Plays Serial Killer Jurek Walter

In Nocturne, Graham plays Jurek Walter, a notorious serial killer known for manipulating people and repeatedly outsmarting investigators. The character presents a different challenge from the emotionally complex father Graham portrayed in the acclaimed Netflix drama Adolescence.

The actor’s casting adds considerable interest to the new series, particularly after his widely recognized performance in Adolescence. Graham won three Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on the series, earning recognition for acting, writing and producing.

Rather than repeating a familiar character type, Nocturne gives Graham an opportunity to explore a darker figure whose influence extends beyond the crimes directly attributed to him.

What Is ‘Nocturne’ About?

The story centers on Jonah Lynn, played by Schreiber, a former soldier and homicide detective who relocates to a small Pennsylvania town. His hopes for a quieter life are shattered when a victim of Jurek Walter unexpectedly turns up alive.

The discovery launches an urgent search for another missing person. Meanwhile, FBI agent Saga Bauer, played by Beetz, goes undercover to obtain answers from Walter, bringing her closer to a killer whose actions continue to threaten those around him.

The series is based on the crime novels Lazarus and The Sandman, written by Swedish author duo Alexander Ahndoril and Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril under the pen name Lars Kepler.

Stephen Graham’s Next Move After ‘Adolescence’

Graham’s role in Nocturne follows the international attention surrounding Adolescence, the Netflix limited series that explored the aftermath of a teenage boy’s violent crime and its impact on his family.

In Nocturne, the actor moves to the other side of a crime story, portraying a calculated killer rather than a parent struggling with the consequences of violence. The contrast highlights the range of roles Graham has taken on throughout his career.

The new thriller also brings together an experienced cast, including Bill Camp, Rory Culkin, Chrissy Metz and Gary Carr. Its combination of psychological tension, missing-person investigations and a dangerous central antagonist places Graham at the heart of the story.

When Does ‘Nocturne’ Premiere?

Nocturne is scheduled to premiere on Apple TV on October 30, 2026. The first season consists of 10 episodes and is expected to appeal to viewers who enjoy character-driven crime dramas and psychological thrillers.

With Graham playing one of the story’s most dangerous characters, the series offers a new look at the actor following his award-winning work in Adolescence.