Adam Scott, best known for his Emmy-nominated role in Severance and the horror film Hokum, is set to lead the upcoming Netflix psychological crime thriller The Whisper Man, which will premiere on August 28. The film, directed by James Ashcroft and produced by the Russo brothers, follows a widowed crime writer who enlists his estranged father, a retired detective, after his son is kidnapped — a case linked to a serial killer known as "The Whisper Man." According to an exclusive preview from Collider, the cast also includes Robert De Niro, Michelle Monaghan, Hamish Linklater, Owen Teague, and others, with a screenplay by Ben Jacoby and Chase Palmer.

Adam Scott's August 28 premiere: a pivot into high-profile genre cinema

Scott's career has evolved significantly from his comedic turn as Ben Wyatt in Parks and Recreation to the labyrinthine corporate horror of Severance, for which he has received Emmy nominations for both seasons. As Collider reported, principal photography for Severance's third season is scheduled to begin later this summer, making The Whisper Man a key bridge between projects. the film places him opposite Oscar-winner Robert De Niro and Michelle Monaghan, a casting move that signals Netflix's ambition to position the thriller as a prestige streaming event.

Director James Ashcroft's 'essential' ensemble philosophy with De Niro and Monaghan

Director James Ashcroft, speaking with Collider during an exclusive preview, emphasized that every role in The Whisper Man must feel indispensable. "The gravitas or amorphous quality of an actor can make the audience lean in," he said, noting that even minor characters should convey a sense of three-dimensionality. This approach is tested with a cast that includes De Niro, a screen legend, and Monaghan, a veteran of crime thrillers like The Pledge. Ashcroft's challenge is to balance their presence without overshadowing the story — a tightrope that will define the film's critical reception.

The Russo brothers' production machine: what their oversight means for 'The Whisper Man'

Produced by Anthony and Joe Russo, along with Angela Russo-Otstot, Michael Disco, and Kassee Whiting, The Whisper Man carries the backing of a team that orchestrated the Marvel Cinematic Universe's largest installments. As Collider noted , the executive producers include Marcus Viscidi, Tim Connors, and Alex Leb. the Russo brothers have increasingly moved toward producing projects with strong ensemble casts and genre hooks, as seen with Extraction and The Gray Man. Their involvement suggests a high-budget polish that could elevate the film beyond typical streaming-thriller fare.

What we still don't know: is 'The Whisper Man' based on a book, and what about Scott's Hokum success?

Collider's report did not specify whether The Whisper Man is adapted from existing source material, leaving a notable gap for audiences curious about the origins of the serial-killer premise. The title shares its name with a 2019 novel by Alex North, but no confirmation has been given. Additionally, Scott's recent role in the acclaimed horror film Hokum suggests a growing affinity for the genre, yet the report offers no details on how that film's reception may influence his choices. These unanswered points leave room for the film to surprise — or disappoint — based on how it ties its narrative threads together.