Stephen Graham has revealed that his wife, Hannah Walters, played a crucial role in his preparation for his latest character, a serial killer, in the new Apple TV series, Nocturne. Speaking at the premiere of the crime thriller in New York City on October 20, the 53-year-old British actor credited his wife’s enthusiasm for true crime as a significant influence during his portrayal.
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The couple, who have been married since 2008 and share two children, Grace and Alfie, have collaborated on numerous projects, forming their own production company, Matriarch Productions, in 2020. Graham’s intimate connection with Walters allowed him to delve deeper into the mind of his character, Jurek Walter, a dangerously cunning serial killer. “I’m going to give the credit to my wife,” he stated, emphasising her passion for serial killers and true crime documentaries.
In preparation for the role, Graham immersed himself in a wealth of material, thanks to Walters’ encouragement. “She made me watch loads of true crime shows,” he expressed. “I watched about 45 of them. She kept saying, ‘You need to see this one, this one, this one, and this one.’” Such extensive exposure, according to Graham, allowed him to internalise the disturbing mindset required for his character, making the experience both challenging and enlightening.
To enhance his physical portrayal as a serial killer, Graham enlisted the help of professional bodybuilder Rob Thurston. “I wanted to get into a physical shape where it looked like I could kill you with my bare hands if I wanted to,” he explained. The dedication to his physicality added an extra layer of authenticity to his performance, showcasing the lengths to which he went to inhabit the role.
Directed by Tim Van Patten, whom Graham regards as one of the best in the industry, Nocturne brought together a talented cast that included Liev Schreiber and Zazie Beetz. Graham expressed his trust in the creative team, stating, “You know, we worked a lot on the character and on the dialogue, and then you just get onto set and you play.” This collaborative environment allowed for a rich exploration of the characters and story.
Nocturne is set in a small town in western Pennsylvania, following the story of Jonah Lynn, an ex-soldier turned homicide detective portrayed by Liev Schreiber. After relocating to the quiet area for a more peaceful life away from Philadelphia’s crime-ridden streets, Lynn’s world is turned upside down when the town is targeted by Jurek Walter, posing a formidable threat to his family and community.
The official synopsis reveals the intensity of the plot: as the urgency to find Jurek’s last missing victim escalates, Jonah is faced with a harrowing dilemma involving his surrogate daughter, FBI Agent Saga Bauer, played by Beetz. Faced with protecting his loved ones while confronting the dark forces unleashed by Jurek, the stakes are raised significantly for Jonah.
Graham’s performance has received early praise, with audiences expected to engage with the complex narrative from the very first episode. Nocturne, which premiered on October 30, is now available for streaming on Apple TV, promising to captivate viewers with its blend of suspense and character-driven storytelling.
As the series makes its debut, it explores not only the chilling world of its antagonist but also the weighty consequences of police work and the personal sacrifices involved in seeking justice and protecting those one loves. With Graham’s dedication and Walters’ influence, Nocturne is poised to be a compelling addition to the true crime genre that resonates strongly with audiences.