Billie Eilish has something exciting on the horizon — and no, we’re not talking about new music. The star is set to make her acting debut in the forthcoming thriller series Swarm, from the minds of co-creators Donald Glover and showrunner Janine Nabers, who brought us Atlanta.
The singer will join leading lady, Dominique Fishback, known for her role in the 2021’s critically acclaimed film Judas and the Black Messiah. The show’s cast will include Chloe Bailey, Snowfall’s Damson Idris, Rory Culkin, Kiersey Clemons, Byron Bowers with appearances from Rickey Thompson and Paris Jackson.
The Happier Than Ever artist shared a sneak peek of her performance on Instagram on Thursday ahead of the series’ release on March 17. Appearing to be villainous therapist of sorts, Eilish questions Fishback’s character Dre about her name and dreams. The singer eerily whispers, “Did you hurt someone?” When Dre answers, “Yes,” Eilish replies, “Very good.”
The new series follows a young woman from Houston, Dre (Fishback) who’s obsession with fictional pop star Ni’Jah takes a dark turn after a sudden traumatic experience involving her sister (Bailey) sends her on a violent journey across the country.
A commentary on fandoms and followers, many have drawn comparisons to Beyoncé’s fanbase, the Beehive. In the trailer, a woman tells Dre, “You’re a killer bee. Part of the swarm. Talk about Ni’Jah, you get stung.”
In February 2021, The Hollywood Reporter published that sources informed the outlet that former First Daughter Malia Obama had joined the writing staff on the project.
On Wednesday evening, Eilish celebrated the show’s upcoming release at the Swarm red carpet premiere and screening at the Lighthouse Artspace in Los Angeles with her mother Maggie Baird, her boyfriend Jesse Rutherford, Nabers, Glover, Fishback and more. The artist shared a carousel of images from inside the event.
Eilish wore an oversized and untucked white button-down dress shirt, a black tie, black wide-legged trousers and Converse sneakers.
Previously, Eilish has appeared in a myriad of music documentaries, and has voiced a caricature of herself for The Simpsons’ short film, When Billie Met Lisa, but her turn in Swarm marks her first official scripted role.
Swarm will be available to stream on Prime Video beginning Friday, March 17.
