Apple TV has given the green light to "Ascension," a new horror series from Alfonso Cuaron starring Caitriona Balfe.
The project marks the Mexican filmmaker's return to the streaming platform following "Disclaimer," and adapts Adam Nevill's novel "Last Days."
The series will follow Rose, a relentless documentary filmmaker and recently divorced mother who is brilliant at uncovering the truths of others but struggles to resolve her own. Her life changes when she begins investigating the Church of the Ascension, a mysterious 20th-century cult.
As she delves deeper into the case, Rose finds an unexpected refuge in the group's teachings, until she discovers something much darker and more dangerous hidden beneath its apparent spirituality.
Decade in development
Balfe will lead the cast and serve as an executive producer. The actress returns to Apple after appearing in the film "Tenzing," taking on one of her first major television projects since the end of "Outlander," which concluded this year after eight seasons.
Cuaron has been developing "Ascension" for almost a decade. Early reports of the adaptation emerged in 2017 with Casey Affleck initially attached as the star, although that version never materialized.
Alfonso Cuaron is co-writing the series alongside his brother Carlos Cuaron, Natalie Erika James and Christian White. All four will serve as executive producers, while James and White will take on showrunner duties.
James will also be the main director of the series. The filmmaker is known for "Relic" and "Apartment 7A," two titles linked to psychological horror, the genre in which this new production will also operate.
Apple Studios production
The series will be produced by Anonymous Content with Apple Studios. Cuaron will executive produce through his company Esperanto Filmoj, which has an overall television deal with Apple.
"Ascension" will be Cuaron's second series for Apple TV after "Disclaimer," a miniseries released in 2024 starring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Sacha Baron Cohen and Lesley Manville.
Although Cuaron is best known for his film career, the director has earned 11 Oscar nominations. He won best director and best film editing for "Gravity," and later won best director and best cinematography for "Roma." His notable works also include "Y tu mama tambien," "Children of Men" and "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban."
Balfe joins "Ascension" after ending her long run as the star of "Outlander," a role that earned her four Golden Globe nominations. Her film credits include "Belfast," "Le Mans '66," "Now You See Me" and "Super 8."
