Apple Inks Deal for 'Swan Song' Film Starring Mahershala Ali - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple Inks Deal for 'Swan Song' Film Starring Mahershala Ali

by

Apple today announced that it has signed a deal for "Swan Song," a film produced by and starring Oscar winner Mahershala Ali. The film, which will go into production in the spring, will be added to the Apple TV+ streaming service and will be produced by Apple and Anonymous Content.

Apple TV Ray Light teal
"Swan Song" is described as a "genre-bending drama" set in the near future and explores how far someone will go and how much they'll sacrifice to make a happier life for their loved ones.

Mahershala Ali, who will take on the starring role of Milo, is known for his work in "Green Book" and "Moonlight." Benjamin Cleary, known for his Oscar-winning short film "Stutterer," is set to direct the film.

"I've been developing 'Swan Song' for a while and when I sat down with Apple it was immediately clear they completely understood my vision," said Benjamin Cleary. "Once Mahershala agreed to join us I knew we had something really special. To be making this movie with Mahershala and Anonymous at Apple is an absolute dream."

Apple's head of feature development and acquisitions Matt Dentler said that the script for "Swan Song" immediately connected with Apple.

"Benjamin's script for 'Swan Song' immediately connected with us. We cannot wait to bring Benjamin's vision together with Mahershala's undeniable talent to deliver this powerfully layered story to audiences around the world."

According to Apple, "Swan Song" will see a theatrical release. It will join other ‌Apple TV‌+ films that include "Boys State," "The Banker," "Wolfwalkers," "Beastie Boys Story," and more.

Top Rated Comments

88 months ago
This looks like a solid pickup. I have loved Mahershala since his Cottonmouth role in Luke Cage.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PickUrPoison Avatar
88 months ago

Apple TV+ just has the stench of failure surrounding it. It was a weird space for them to enter, especially so late.
More like the sweet smell of success, which of course is very upsetting to some.

What a great start, and Apple just continues to pile on high quality talent and content. I see nothing but success as long as they don’t start cranking out a bunch of crap in addition to great content. Which unfortunately Netflix has been doing all too much of.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
88 months ago

This looks like a solid pickup. I have loved Mahershala since his Cottonmouth role in Luke Cage.
Been a fan for a while now. Started paying closer attn to his work in Alphas and House of Cards. True Detective? Yuuuup. Nice get for Apple.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
88 months ago
That’s funny. I was just watching his movie “Green Book” today. The guy is very talented.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Porco Avatar
88 months ago
As an Alita: Battle Angel fan I guess I'll be the one to say This is a, This is a: Swan...! Swan Song.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PickUrPoison Avatar
88 months ago

Yeah, Apple TV+ is really lighting the world on fire. It’s right up there with the Apple Newton and the Home Pod.
I said they had a great start, not that they beat HBO or Disney out of the gate (except maybe in the number of subscribers). Do you actually think Apple thought they were going to “light the world on fire” with an overnight success?

Not in the least. That’s why they’re offering a quarter billion users a free annual subscription this year. That’s why they priced the service so low. It’s going to be a slow build.

Apple is playing the long game, as usual. Five years from now, they will have hundreds of originals and upwards of a thousand or more hours of content.

Apple Pay has been a slow build too. It’s more than five years old, but already accounts for 5% of global transactions, and is on track to hit 10% by 2025. Apple Arcade and Apple Card will take time to mature as well. (News+ may not make it at all, but may continue as a niche if publishers stay on board.)

People always want to crap on whatever Apple does. Feel free! 🙂 Knock yourself out lol. But when you’ve got to reach back nearly 30 years to find an Apple failure with Newton, I think your hot take speaks for itself.

PS HomePod may be the highest grossing product in the category. When Siri is finished being rebuilt, it’s going to be a boon to HomePod. If Apple is going to release a HomePod mini, that’s what it’s introduction will be timed with. 2021?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple TV Silo

Apple TV Reportedly Planning 'Silo' Spinoff

Wednesday November 4, 2026 8:56 am PST by
Apple TV is developing a "Silo" spinoff tied to Hugh Howey's upcoming Silo book trilogy, according to Apple TV commentator and podcaster Sigmund Judge. He said pre-production will begin later this year, with the books expected next summer. Hiring has apparently begun and some sets remain standing after season four wrapped in March. The reported project would follow the show's fourth and final...
Pluribus Poster 0101

'Pluribus' Season 2 Reportedly Starts Production Today

Friday October 30, 2026 11:41 pm PDT by
Filming for the second season of Apple TV's "Pluribus" is expected to start today in Albuquerque, New Mexico, according to a report from Production List. The acclaimed sci-fi drama stars Rhea Seehorn and was created by Vince Gilligan. Its first season debuted on November 7, 2025, with a second season already commissioned. Apple has yet to announce when season two will...
Apple exclusive F1 partner

F1 on Apple TV Now Available in Dolby Atmos

Thursday October 22, 2026 6:35 am PDT by
Apple today announced that F1 races on the Apple TV streaming service will now be broadcast with Dolby Atmos spatial sound, starting with the 2026 U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas on October 23 to October 25. Apple's press release outlines everything F1 fans need to know about the U.S. Grand Prix and ways to follow along. Apple TV has been the exclusive home of F1 in the U.S. since March, as...
Latest Stories
Apple Store Subscription Sign-Up Controversy Exposed
Apple Store Subscription Sign-Up Controversy Exposed
4 hours ago
Siri AI Rumored to Become 'More Like an Agent' as Early as Next Year
Siri AI Rumored to Become 'More Like an Agent' as Early as Next Year
14 hours ago
Apple Taking New Approach to Developing iOS 28 and macOS 28
Apple Taking New Approach to Developing iOS 28 and macOS 28
16 hours ago
Early Apple Black Friday Deals on Apple Watch, MacBook Air, and More
Early Apple Black Friday Deals on Apple Watch, MacBook Air, and More
1 day ago
'Backglow' Lets You Customize New MacBook Pro's Glowing Apple Logo
'Backglow' Lets You Customize New MacBook Pro's Glowing Apple Logo
1 day ago
Top Stories: Apple Product Launches, iOS 27.3 Beta, and More
Top Stories: Apple Product Launches, iOS 27.3 Beta, and More
2 days ago
More Fun iPhone Duo Apps: 30 New Picks to Try
More Fun iPhone Duo Apps: 30 New Picks to Try
2 days ago
Hands-On With Apple's New OLED Touchscreen MacBook Pro
Hands-On With Apple's New OLED Touchscreen MacBook Pro
2 days ago
Apple Store With All-New Design Opening Soon in Southern California
Apple Store With All-New Design Opening Soon in Southern California
2 days ago
Control the Glowing Apple Logo on Your New MacBook Pro
Control the Glowing Apple Logo on Your New MacBook Pro
3 days ago
Apple Shares New 'Apple Card: Apply and Use in Minutes' Ad
Apple Shares New 'Apple Card: Apply and Use in Minutes' Ad
3 days ago
Apple Says More Than 100,000 Apps Optimized for iPhone Duo, Here's What's Still Missing
Apple Says More Than 100,000 Apps Optimized for iPhone Duo, Here's What's Still Missing
3 days ago
Early Black Friday Deals Kickoff With Steep Discounts on Apple Watch Ultras and More
Early Black Friday Deals Kickoff With Steep Discounts on Apple Watch Ultras and More
3 days ago
The MacRumors Show: iOS 27.3 Looks Like a Huge Update
The MacRumors Show: iOS 27.3 Looks Like a Huge Update
3 days ago
Best Buy's Black Friday Event Begins With Sitewide Savings on Apple, TVs, More
Best Buy's Black Friday Event Begins With Sitewide Savings on Apple, TVs, More
3 days ago
Apple Releasing Yet Another Two New Products Next Week
Apple Releasing Yet Another Two New Products Next Week
3 days ago
MacBook Air Drops to Lowest Price in Months With Amazon's $250 Discount
MacBook Air Drops to Lowest Price in Months With Amazon's $250 Discount
3 days ago
Apple Rumored to Drop the iPhone's Action Button Next Year
Apple Rumored to Drop the iPhone's Action Button Next Year
3 days ago
Apple's Extended Return Policy Now in Effect for 2026 Holiday Season
Apple's Extended Return Policy Now in Effect for 2026 Holiday Season
3 days ago
Apple Music Classical Updated With New Icon and Refreshed Design
Apple Music Classical Updated With New Icon and Refreshed Design
3 days ago
OLED iPad Mini, M6 iMac, and New MacBook Pros Available From Today
OLED iPad Mini, M6 iMac, and New MacBook Pros Available From Today
3 days ago
Apple Surveys iPhone Duo Buyers About Crease and Camera
Apple Surveys iPhone Duo Buyers About Crease and Camera
3 days ago
Apple's First Touchscreen Mac is Now Arriving to Customers
Apple's First Touchscreen Mac is Now Arriving to Customers
3 days ago
Claude Gets Personal Finance Feature With Bank Account Linking
Claude Gets Personal Finance Feature With Bank Account Linking
3 days ago
Apple Arcade Adds Crossy Road Rush and NBA 2K27
Apple Arcade Adds Crossy Road Rush and NBA 2K27
3 days ago
Apple's New HomeView Smart Home Hub: Here's How Much RAM It Has
Apple's New HomeView Smart Home Hub: Here's How Much RAM It Has
3 days ago
iPad Mini vs. iPad Air Buyer's Guide: Now Just $50 Apart
iPad Mini vs. iPad Air Buyer's Guide: Now Just $50 Apart
3 days ago
First iOS 27.3 and macOS Golden Gate 27.3 Public Betas Now Available
First iOS 27.3 and macOS Golden Gate 27.3 Public Betas Now Available
4 days ago
Apple Announces a New Mac Sales Record
Apple Announces a New Mac Sales Record
4 days ago
Paid $200 for Logic Pro? Apple Says You Won't Get This New Feature
Paid $200 for Logic Pro? Apple Says You Won't Get This New Feature
4 days ago