Swarm Cast & Character Guide: Who Plays Who In The Amazon Prime Video Series

Swarm, the gripping psychological thriller miniseries from Amazon Prime Video, has captured viewers’ attention with its intense storytelling, dark themes, and especially its dynamic ensemble cast. Co-created by comedian and musician Donald Glover and Janine Nabers, the series examines the world of fandom, obsession, and identity. Specifically, Swarm follows Dre, a young woman whose devotion to a fictional pop star, whose fans are known as “The Swarm,” leads her down a chilling path. The show’s blend of suspense, social commentary, and complex characters has made Swarm a critical success.

One of the best aspects of Swarm is its stellar cast, which includes seasoned actors and rising stars, each delivering powerful performances that bring the show’s characters to life. From Dre’s emotional turmoil to the array of eccentric characters she encounters, the cast plays a pivotal role in elevating the story’s intensity and emotional depth. Whether viewers are curious about the charismatic social media influencer, the mysterious stranger, or the devoted fan-turned-stalke, Swarm’s characters are certainly memorable.

Dominique Fishback As Dre

Born March 22nd, 1991

Actor- Dominique Fishback was born March 22nd, 1991, in Brooklyn, NY, and is an actor and writer known for her powerful performances across television and film. She gained early recognition as Darlene, a young sex worker navigating 1970s New York, in HBO’s underrated classic, The Deuce. Her ability to bring depth to complex characters became even more evident in Judas and the Black Messiah, where she played Deborah Johnson, the fiancée of Fred Hampton.

Fishback further showcased her range in Project Power, starring alongside Jamie Foxx. Beyond acting, she is also a spoken-word poet and playwright, using her creative voice to explore themes of identity and resilience.

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Character: Andrea “Dre” Greene is the protagonist of Swarm. Dre is an introverted yet obsessive young woman whose life revolves around her deep, almost fanatical devotion to a pop star named Ni’Jah, a clearly Beyoncé-inspired figure. Her obsession escalates into a disturbing and violent journey as she seeks to defend her idol at all costs, blurring the line between fandom and psychopathy.

Dre’s character is unsettling as she navigates a world that continuously rejects her, fueling her dangerous impulses. Her lack of social connection and her fixation on Ni’Jah serve as both her escape and her downfall. Fishback’s haunting performance makes Dre a uniquely unsettling antihero, solidifying Swarm as a thought-provoking and chilling series.

Chloe Bailey As Marissa “Ris” Jackson

Born July 1, 1998

Actor: Chloe Bailey was born on July 1st, 1998, in Atlanta, GA. She is an actor, musician, and producer who rose to fame as one-half of the Grammy-nominated duo Chloe x Halle alongside her sister, actress Halle Bailey. The duo gained recognition by posting YouTube covers before being discovered by Beyoncé. They released acclaimed albums, including The Kids Are Alright and Ungodly Hour, showcasing their vocal talent and artistic creativity.

Beyond her music with Halle, Chloe has pursued a solo career, releasing her debut album In Pieces, highlighting her evolving artistry. In acting, she gained early experience on the sitcom Grown-ish before taking on her role in Swarm. Bailey also received critical acclaim for her starring role in Praise This.

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Character: Marissa “Ris” Jackson, played by Chloe Bailey, is Dre’s affectionate yet troubled older sister and closest connection to the real world. Unlike Dre, Marissa is more grounded and socially skilled, working as a makeup artist while maintaining a romantic relationship. However, she shares Dre’s deep admiration for the pop star Ni’Jah, though hers is more rational.

Marissa serves as Dre’s emotional anchor, often protecting her from the harsh realities of life. However, their bond is strained by Dre’s intense attachment. A tragic turning point in the series occurs when Marissa, overwhelmed by personal struggles and relationship issues, takes her own life. Her death becomes the catalyst for Dre’s violent spiral, sending her on a disturbing journey driven by grief and obsession.

Damson Idris As Khalid

Born September 2, 1991

Actor: Damson Idris was born on September 2, 1991, in Peckham, London, UK, and is known for his film and television roles. He gained widespread recognition for his breakout role as Franklin Saint in Snowfall, a crime drama series created by John Singleton. His portrayal of the intelligent yet ruthless drug kingpin navigating the 1980s crack epidemic earned him critical acclaim.

Beyond Snowfall, Idris has showcased his versatility in various projects. He starred in the sci-fi action film Outside the Wire, playing a young drone pilot opposite Anthony Mackie. With his natural screen presence, Idris continues to take on dynamic roles, solidifying himself as one of the most promising actors in Hollywood.

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Character: Khalid is Marissa Jackson’s boyfriend and a key figure in the early events of the series. Charismatic yet somewhat detached, Khalid’s relationship with Marissa creates tension between her and Dre. Dre views Khalid as an outsider who disrupts their close sisterly bond. His presence highlights Dre’s deep dependence on Marissa and her discomfort with Marissa being close to someone else.

Khalid’s role, though brief, plays a pivotal part in the series’ turning point. After a fight with Khalid, Marissa spirals into emotional distress, which ultimately leads to her demise. Khalid’s relationship with Marissa indirectly fuels Dre’s descent into obsession and violence. While not portrayed as a villain, Khalid represents the normalcy and independence that Marissa wanted, making him a symbol of the life Dre could never fully accept.

Paris Jackson As Hailey/Halsey

Born April 3, 1998

Actor: Paris Jackson was born on April 3, 1998, in Beverly Hills, CA. She is the daughter of legendary musician Michael Jackson, who found her own space in the entertainment industry. She gained early fame due to her famous father but has since built a diverse career as a model, actress, and musician known for her authenticity and unique presence.

Paris began modeling in her teens, and made her acting debut in The Space Between. She also appeared in Scream: The TV Series. In addition to acting and modeling, Paris is a talented musician, releasing her debut album, Wilted, in 2020, which showcases her skills as a singer-songwriter.

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Character: Hailey, played by Paris Jackson in Swarm, is a stripper who crosses paths with Dre during her disturbing journey. Outgoing and talkative, Hailey is friendly toward Dre, offering her a job at the club where she works. She appears eager to connect, even revealing that she is biracial, in an attempt to relate to Dre, which comes off as awkward and performative. Hailey/Halsey is also struggling in an abusive relationship.

Though Hailey seems harmless, her lack of awareness and offhand comments contribute to the mounting tension in Dre’s world. Her interactions with Dre serve as a reminder of how Dre struggles with social cues and personal boundaries.

Rory Culkin as Marcus

Born July 21, 1989

Actor: Rory Culkin was born on July 21, 1989, in New York City, NY. He is an American actor known for his intense and often enigmatic performances in independent films and television. He is the younger brother of actors Macaulay and Kieran Culkin. Rory began acting as a child, often portraying younger versions of his brothers’ characters before making a name for himself with standout roles in psychological dramas and horror films.

He gained recognition for his role in Signs, where he played Mel Gibson’s son, and later impressed critics with his performance in Mean Creek, a chilling indie drama about bullying. Throughout his career, he has gravitated toward complex and unsettling characters, starring in films such as Lords of Chaos, where he portrayed real-life black metal musician Euronymous.

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Character: Marcus is a brief but impactful character in Swarm. In the first episode, Marcus appears as a mysterious and seemingly charming stranger Dre meets on a night out. Their interaction leads to an intimate encounter at his apartment, where Marcus exhibits a mix of warmth and eeriness. In a particularly unsettling moment, he offers Dre a bowl of strawberries post-hookup, a small yet symbolic gesture that adds to the show’s tension.

Heather Alicia Simms As Loretta Greene

Born February 25th, 1970

Actor: Heather Alicia Simms is an accomplished American actress known for her versatile performances in theater, film, and television. She has had a notable career with a strong presence in both dramatic and comedic roles. Simms’ work on stage includes impressive performances in several Broadway productions, as well as regional theater.

One of her significant stage roles was in The Book of Mormon, where she garnered attention for her powerful vocals and dynamic presence. Beyond theater, Simms had recurring roles on Netflix’s Luke Cage and the OWN prime-time soap opera, The Kings of Napa.

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Character: Loretta Greene is a pivotal yet enigmatic character in Swarm, appearing later in the series, offering a rare moment of warmth and introspection in Dre’s turbulent journey. Loretta is a kind-hearted Southern woman who takes Dre in during a vulnerable moment. She starkly contrasts to the chaos surrounding Dre, treating her with genuine care and motherly affection. Her presence briefly suggests the possibility of redemption for Dre as she experiences a nurturing environment unlike anything she’s encountered before.

Swarm Supporting Cast & Characters

Byron Bowers as George: George is a man whom Dre manipulate in order to steal his VIP backstage pass to a Ni’Jah concert in an effort to get closer to her. In addition to Swarm, Byron Bowers is known for playing Meldrick in The Chi. In film, he has notably appeared in Honey Boy and No Sudden Move.

Stephen Glover as Cache: Cache is a minor character in Swarm whose interactions with Dre highlight her manipulative tendencies and her ability to adapt to different situations. Stephen Glover is one of the creators and head writers of the acclaimed series Atlanta, alongside his brother, Donald Glover. In addition to Atlanta, Stephen was also a writer for Swarm.

Nirine S. Brown as Ni’Jah: Even though she doesn’t appear in too much of Swarm, she is the catalyst for the show’s events. Inspired by Beyonce, Ni’Jah’s music, image, and public persona are integral to the plot, as the series follows Dre, an obsessive fan whose unhealthy admiration leads her down a dangerous path. Nirine S. Brown has also appeared in the movies Yellow Broken Road and White Boy Brown

Billie Eilish as Eva: Eva is the young cult leader who runs a women’s empowerment group who takes advantage of Dre. Swarm marks Billie Eilish’s acting debujt. She is much more well-known as a musician. However, Eilish has some Hollywood credibility. Despite only being 23 years old, Eilish has two Oscars, both for Best Original Song, in the films No Time to Die and Barbie. Even though Eilish hasn’t acted too much yet, her role in Swarm has cemented her as a multi-talented performer.