Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, unforgettable to millions of viewers for his role as Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones, returns to television with a very different project. The Danish actor will star in The Black Tapes, a new supernatural horror series that MGM+ has just greenlit.
The announcement is particularly relevant at a key moment for the network, which is looking to bolster its mystery and horror catalog just as From, one of its most successful titles, heads toward its final season. The arrival of an internationally recognizable actor like Coster-Waldau adds extra appeal to the venture.
What is The Black Tapes, the new MGM+ horror series, about?
MGM+ has ordered an eight-episode first season, with filming scheduled to begin in January 2027 in Vancouver. The premise blends the investigative spirit of The X-Files with a plot involving occult conspiracies, designed to hook those who enjoy hunting for clues and developing theories.
Coster-Waldau will play Dr. Richard Strand, a brilliant and enigmatic psychiatrist determined to find rational explanations for a series of recordings known as the black tapes. These files document seemingly inexplicable events: haunted houses, demonic possessions, disappearances, and legends that have fueled the fear of the unknown for years.
In his investigation, Strand will be joined by Alex Regan, an obsessive and equally skeptical scientist, determined not to accept any supernatural explanation without questioning it thoroughly first.
A conspiracy that goes beyond the paranormal
The twist comes when both characters discover that the cases they are investigating might be connected to something much more dangerous. Their research will end up uncovering an occult world operating in the shadows and a conspiracy of apocalyptic proportions.
What starts as an attempt to debunk ghost stories will end up becoming an investigation into which, in all likelihood, it would have been wiser to leave certain doors closed.
A horror podcast with millions of followers as a starting point
The Black Tapes is not based on a novel or a forgotten film, but rather on a fictional horror podcast created by Terry Miles and Paul Bae. The original production debuted in 2015 and ran for three seasons until 2017, totaling 30 episodes.
Its impact was significant: since its premiere, it has surpassed 60 million downloads, making it one of the most influential titles of the first great wave of fictional horror podcasts. The combination of paranormal investigations, interconnected mysteries, and an increasingly intricate conspiracy makes its television adaptation particularly timely.
A detail that works in favor of fans of the original format is that Terry Miles and Paul Bae will not be sidelined from the project. Both will serve as writers and executive producers on the series, which should help maintain the essence of the story while expanding its universe.
MGM+ bets on horror after the success of From
The order for The Black Tapes comes at a strategic time for MGM+, which has made horror and mystery part of its identity as a platform. One of its biggest successes has been From, the series starring Harold Perrineau that began in 2022 and has steadily gained followers thanks to its enigmas and unsettling atmosphere.
However, that story already has an end date: its fifth season will be its last and is scheduled for 2027. In that context, the new series starring Coster-Waldau appears as a natural successor, albeit with a completely different plot focused on the paranormal and the occult.
MGM+ also includes The Institute, an adaptation of a Stephen King work, in its catalog, reinforcing its continued commitment to suspense and horror as benchmark genres.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s new role after Game of Thrones
The actor takes on this project after returning for the second season of The Last Thing He Told Me, the Apple TV series starring Jennifer Garner.
With The Black Tapes, Coster-Waldau will move radically away from Jaime Lannister. Instead of dynastic conflicts and power struggles, his character will have to rely on reason to try to distinguish between the explainable and that which defies all scientific logic.
For now, MGM+ has not confirmed a premiere date for the series nor has it revealed who will play Alex Regan, a fundamental role for the development of the plot. With a solid premise, a recognizable lead, and source material that has already proven its ability to engage audiences in podcast format, The Black Tapes arrives with high expectations even before filming begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in The Black Tapes?
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, known for playing Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones, leads the cast as Dr. Richard Strand.
What is The Black Tapes series based on?
It is based on the podcast of the same name created by Terry Miles and Paul Bae, which aired between 2015 and 2017 for three seasons and 30 episodes, surpassing 60 million downloads.
When does filming for The Black Tapes begin?
Production will start in January 2027 in Vancouver, as confirmed by MGM+.
How many episodes will the first season have?
MGM+ has ordered eight episodes for the first season of the series.
What is the story of The Black Tapes about?
It follows a skeptical psychiatrist and a scientist who investigate recordings of paranormal events, only to discover an occult conspiracy much more dangerous than they imagined.
Is there a premiere date for the series?
An official premiere date for The Black Tapes has not yet been announced.
