Bill Hader’s Shocking Jonestown Cult Series: HBO’s Next Dark Obsession

by

Actor Bill Hader, famed for his role in HBO’s ‘Barry’, is planning a comeback on the network with a series focusing on Jonestown and its leader, Reverend Jim Jones. In its initial phases of development, this project will have Hader involved as a co-executive producer, co-writer, and co-showrunner alongside Daniel Zelman, recognized for his work in ‘Damages’ and ‘Bloodline’. As per Variety, if the project progresses, Hader may also step behind the camera to direct, and there’s a possibility he might take on a starring role as well.

Noteworthy is Hader’s comeback to HBO, considering the remarkable achievement of his previous network venture, “Barry.” This dark comedy ended in 2023, wrapping up a celebrated four-season journey that was highly praised by critics. Besides co-creating the series and penning its scripts, Hader also directed multiple episodes, and he played the lead role. The titular character was a disenchanted US Marine-turned-hitman who unexpectedly found a love for acting. “Barry” brought Hader two Emmys in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series category. In total, the show received 16 Emmy nominations.

.

Over the years, numerous documentaries and fictional works have delved into the stories of Reverend Jim Jones and Jonestown. Some standout examples include the acclaimed 2006 documentary titled “Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple“, which provided a detailed account of the cult’s growth and demise, the 2024 documentary “Cult Massacre: One Day in Jonestown” that zeroed in on the tragic final hours, and the true-crime series “Very Scary People“, where episodes were dedicated to analyzing Jones and the events that took place in Guyana.

A Look Back at the People Temple’s Tragedy

In November of 1978, more than 900 individuals belonging to the Peoples Temple religious group tragically lost their lives in an event known as the Jonestown Massacre. This group was headed by Jim Jones, who established the settlement of Jonestown in Guyana four years prior, in 1974, following the formation of the People’s Temple in 1955. Jones managed to persuade his followers into drinking a beverage resembling Kool-Aid that had been tainted with cyanide, as he claimed it was their only means of escape from oppression and a testament to their loyalty. This mass suicide occurred shortly after the cult murdered five investigators who had visited Jonestown.

As a fervent admirer of Hader’s work, I can’t help but anticipate the somber themes that his upcoming series promises to explore. In an interview with Newsweek back in 2019, Hader revealed his captivating fascination with true crime, appreciating narratives that delve into intricate, imperfect schemes and the less-than-savory aspects of human nature. He pointed to shows like Snapped, Dateline, 48 Hours, and American Greed as compelling examples of such storytelling, and praised the critically acclaimed documentary O.J. Simpson: Made in America as an exceptional masterpiece.

Hader’s professional journey took flight during his tenure on NBC’s Saturday Night Live from 2005 to 2013. Now, he holds an executive producer role for IFC’s mockumentary series Documentary Now!, which he co-created as well. His filmography encompasses various genres, featuring titles such as Superbad, Pineapple Express, Trainwreck, The Skeleton Twins, and It Chapter Two. He has also contributed his voice to productions like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Inside Out. Upcoming projects for Hader include voicing the lead character in the upcoming The Cat in the Hat, alongside Matt Berry and Quinta Brunson.

Read More

2025-04-24 13:32