Billie Eilish just made her surprise acting debut with a previously unannounced role in the wildly captivating Prime Video series, “Swarm”, from co-creators Donald Glover and showrunner Janine Nabers. The singer is just one of many unexpected supporting players who cross paths with Dominique Fishback.
Debuting on Friday, the series follows a young woman named Dre (Fishback) whose obsession with one of the world’s biggest pop stars as well as an unexpected trauma involving her sister, Marissa (Chloe Bailey), sets her on a dark journey across the country.
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As Dre continues on her increasingly violent path, she encounters characters played by Damson Idris (Marissa’s boyfriend, Khalid) as well as Bryron Bowers, Kiersey Clemons, Paris Jackson, internet personality Rickey Thompson, Rory Culkin and “American Auto” breakout X Mayo.
That also includes Eilish, who is seen in a clip posted to Instagram having an intense conversation with Dre about “milk spilled on the carpet.” Eilish’s character is also shown in the newest teaser that was shared by Prime Video on Thursday.
While Eilish has appeared in several music documentaries and has voiced a version of herself for the Simpsons’ short film, “When Billie Met Lisa”, “Swarm” marks the first time the singer is appearing in a fully scripted role.
The idea to add her to the ensemble came from casting director Carmen Cuba, who knew that the singer wanted to get into acting. For Glover, casting Eilish, especially in addition to Bailey and Jackson, also provided an opportunity to play up the meta commentary about fandoms and followers.
When asked what “Swarm” might be saying about these stans, like the Beyhive, given the show’s parallels to Beyoncé, Nabers told ET, “I think you can intellectualize it and say that it’s a critique of fandom, of course.”
“I created it with someone who is a music superstar, and I’ve seen people take ownership of him in real time, in real life, in front of my face. I think when you step outside, and you look at the story, is it a critique? Sure,” she continued, referring to Glover, who has his own successful musical career in addition to producing and starring in TV projects like “Atlanta”.
“Swarm” debuts Friday, March 17 on Prime Video.
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