Jodie Comer Joins Damon Lindelof’s HBO Thriller ‘The Chain’ as Kidnapped Mother

Jodie Comer has been cast in Damon Lindelof’s upcoming HBO limited series ‘The Chain’, based on Adrian McKinty’s New York Times bestselling thriller.

Comer will portray Rachel, a divorcée undergoing cancer treatment. After receiving a call that her daughter, Kylie, has been kidnapped, Rachel learns Kylie’s release hinges on her participation in a dangerous chain of ransom demands. To secure Kylie’s freedom, Rachel must kidnap another child. The cycle continues as each new victim’s parents are forced to abduct another child to reclaim their own.

Series Details and Creative Team

The eight-episode series is created and executive produced by Lindelof, who also serves as showrunner—a role he last held for HBO’s ‘Watchmen’. He co-wrote the pilot script with Carly Wray, with Breannah Gibson contributing to the pilot story.

Plot specifics remain undisclosed, though Lindelof is expanding the mythology of McKinty’s award-winning novel.

Production and Distribution

Michael Ellenberg and Lindsey Springer executive produce for Media Res, which co-produces the series with HBO. Additional executive producers include Shane Salerno, Breannah Gibson, Joe Iberti, and McKinty himself, who serves as co-executive producer.

This marks the first project under Media Res’ television studio deal, following HBO’s two-year overall agreement with Lindelof, signed in September 2025.

Cast and Previous Work

Comer returns to television after her Emmy and BAFTA-winning role as assassin Villanelle in BBC America’s ‘Killing Eve’. Her recent credits include Danny Boyle’s ‘28 Years Later’.

Lindelof’s prior HBO projects include ‘Watchmen’ and ‘The Leftovers’, as well as Peacock’s ‘Mrs. Davis’.