Full Breakdown
Zac Efron and Zach Baylin Lead HBO-A24’s ‘Angel Heart’ Series
5/29/2026, 5:01:43 AM
Series Overview
HBO and A24 are developing a one-hour drama series *Angel Heart*. Zac Efron will star and executive-produce; Zach Baylin, creator of *Black Rabbit*, will write and co-executive-produce. Jonathan van Tulleken, noted for directing early episodes of *Shogun*, will direct several episodes and also executive-produce. The plot follows a down-and-out NYC paparazzo hired to find a missing woman, uncovering powerful elites and possible supernatural forces. Executive producers include Marc Toberoff, Max Hjortsberg, Lorca Hjortsberg, Alice P. Neuhauser, Kate Susman (Youngblood Pictures), Joe Hipps (Cut To), Stuart Manashil, Kevin Turen and Harrison Kreiss. The series adapts William Hjortsberg’s 1978 novel *Falling Angel* and its sequel *Angel’s Inferno*.
Background & Context
William Hjortsberg’s 1978 novel *Falling Angel* inspired Alan Parker’s 1987 film *Angel Heart*, which later gained a cult following despite mixed reviews and an X-rating controversy. HBO-A24’s new series builds on their prior Emmy-nominated collaboration on *The Sympathizer*.
Creative Team
Zac Efron, who starred in A24’s 2023 film *The Iron Claw*, leads the cast; Zach Baylin, creator of *Black Rabbit*, writes and co-produces; Jonathan van Tulleken directs. Production partners include HBO, A24, Youngblood Pictures and Cut To.
Timeline
The partnership was announced in May 2026; it follows Efron’s 2023 film *The Iron Claw* and Baylin’s 2022-23 series *Black Rabbit*, as well as HBO-A24’s 2022 adaptation of *The Sympathizer*.
Official Statements
Sources say HBO “jumped at the chance” to partner with A24 after Efron’s package, and both companies have confirmed development of the one-hour drama with Efron and Baylin attached.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ "'Book the corner table, close to the pay phone,' he said.” he said. “Get there early and take the corner seat. Make sure the chair opposite – the one that has its back to the restaurant – is empty. That's where I'll sit.” — Alan Parker, Director (essay on original film)
- “Getting Robert De Niro to say 'yes' to doing my movie wasn't easy.” — Alan Parker
- “A down-and-out NYC paparazzi, who makes his living finding and photographing people who don’t want to be found, is hired by a mysterious man to find a missing woman. But the deeper he digs to find her, the more it looks like a group of powerful elites, and maybe something supernatural, are covering up the disappearance.” — Series logline
Impact
The adaptation revives a cult 1980s thriller for streaming, pairing a high-profile star with an acclaimed writer, and taps current audience appetite for genre-blending elite-conspiracy stories.
Future
The series remains in development with no set premiere; HBO and A24 will issue further updates as production progresses, while Efron and Baylin pursue other projects.
