Jessica Chastain Pushes Back Against Apple TV+ Delay of Her New Show After Charlie Kirk Killing
Apple TV+ has delayed the release of its upcoming crime thriller miniseries, The Savant, which stars Jessica Chastain.
The streaming service shared a brief statement on Tuesday saying, “After careful consideration, we have made the decision to postpone ‘The Savant.’ We appreciate your understanding and look forward to releasing the series at a future date.”
While Apple has not given a specific reason for the delay, sources indicate it may be connected to the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The show includes scenes of political violence, such as a sniper attack, which may have raised concerns. Industry insiders note that other projects have also been postponed in response to real-life violent events.
The Savant is a political thriller created by Melissa James Gibson, inspired by a 2019 Cosmopolitan article by Andrea Stanley.
The series follows a woman known as “the Savant,” who infiltrates online hate groups to stop planned public attacks. Jessica Chastain plays Jodi Goodwin, the lead character, while Nnamdi Asomugha stars as Charlie Goodwin, and Pablo Schreiber also appears in a key role. Chastain said of her performance, “I wouldn’t want to look and behave exactly like her, because I want to keep her hidden.”
Chastain publicly responded to the postponement, stating she does not agree with the decision.
She highlighted the ongoing reality of political and social violence in the United States, referencing events like the January 6 Capitol attack, assassination attempts on political figures, and numerous school shootings.
She said, “These incidents, though far from encompassing the full range of violence witnessed in the United States, illustrate a broader mindset that crosses the political spectrum and must be confronted. I’ve never shied away from difficult subjects, and while I wish this show wasn’t so relevant, unfortunately it is.”
The Savant was originally scheduled to premiere on September 26, with episodes rolling out weekly until November 7.
Variety first reported Chastain’s casting in March 2023, with Nnamdi Asomugha joining in February 2024 and additional cast members added later. Deadline Hollywood reported that the postponement was announced just three days before the planned premiere. No new release date has been set.
By day, Jodi is your average suburban mom. By night, she’s uncovering the darkest corners of the internet.
— Apple TV (@AppleTV) August 26, 2025
Jessica Chastain stars in #TheSavant premiering September 26 on Apple TV+ pic.twitter.com/iFxLKzrg6E
The series had been one of Apple TV+’s most anticipated releases this year. The delay reflects the challenges of releasing content that touches on sensitive or timely issues while remaining mindful of real-world events.
While it’s understandable that Apple wants to be cautious given recent events, it’s also clear that the story the creators wanted to tell is important. Postponing a series due to real-world violence is a difficult balance between sensitivity and creative expression. What do you think about Apple’s decision to delay The Savant? Share your thoughts in the comments.