In the new Prime Video series “Swarm,” created by Donald Glover and his brother, the darker side of stan culture is explored through the character of Dre, a fangirl who becomes obsessed with a fictional pop star named Ni’Jah. The show’s fourth episode features a surprise appearance by Grammy-winning singer Billie Eilish, playing the role of Eva, a hypnotic cult leader who has a queer relationship with one of her followers. While Eilish’s casting was initially kept a secret, the show’s official Twitter account confirmed the news after it leaked in a Variety review.
The inclusion of Eilish in “Swarm” was highly intentional, according to the show’s co-creator Janine Nabers, who said that the singer was handpicked for the role by casting director Carmen Cuba. Nabers praised the show’s team for their multi-hyphenate talents, which allowed them to find the perfect fit for Eva, a character who is both mesmerizing and creepy.
With her role in “Swarm,” Eilish has added another accomplishment to her already impressive list of achievements. While the singer has faced criticism in the past for queerbaiting, she has addressed those accusations in a recent interview and made it clear that she wants to keep her sexuality private. Nevertheless, her portrayal of Eva in “Swarm” has received widespread acclaim from fans, who have praised her acting skills and her ability to embody a complex and intriguing character.
Overall, “Swarm” is a thought-provoking exploration of the dark side of fan culture, and Eilish’s appearance in the show is just one of its many surprises. As the series continues to unfold, viewers can expect to be both entertained and challenged by its themes and characters.