Billie Eilish’s lopsided ‘Swarm’ character was inspired by a cult following, co-creator reveals
Warning: Spoilers for the Prime Video series “Swarm” below.
It should be no secret that Amazon Prime’s new viral hit show “Swarm” has had the internet in a chokehold since its premiere last week.
Of his macabre trailer – which has been viewed more than 6.5 million times on YouTube to date – to a viral hot sex scene Starring Chloe Bailey and Damson Idris, the dark comedy series caused a stir on social media.
Grammy-winning Billie Eilish, who made her acting debut on the twisted show centered on a pop star-obsessed serial killer, recently garnered praise on Twitter for her role, which the creator says of the show, was inspired by a real cult leader.
“There’s a cult that existed in the world that was very important at that time,” Janine Nabers, who co-created the series alongside “Atlanta” creator Donald Glover, said in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “And that’s the kind of true crime element in this episode.”
“I think when people think of the idea of artists or celebrities, there’s this idea of thinking of the cult of Taylor Swift, or the cult of the Beatles or whatever,” Nabers added. “What we were really interested in was just seeing someone worshiping at the altar of ‘something’ and (exploring) this idea of what spirit worship is.”
Billie’s mystery character Eva, who leads a cult that disguises itself as a “women’s empowerment group” in Episode 4, is apparently inspired by NXIVM sex cult leader Keith Raniere, according to THR.
In October 2020, Raniere was sentenced to 120 years in prison and a $1,750,000 fine for his involvement in a high-profile sex trafficking case.
“Swarm” follows a warped heroine named Dre (Dominique Fishback) whose unhealthy obsession with an intentional Beyoncé-like figure named Ni’Jah drives her on a rampage nationwide.
The thriller also stars Kiersey Clemons (“Dope”), Rickey Thompson and Paris Jackson.
Season 1 of “Swarm” is available to stream on Prime Video.
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