Jessica Chastain and Adam Driver will star in a new Apple TV+ series, The Dealer, set against the backdrop of the contemporary art world. The series delves into the complex and often cutthroat dynamics between artists and those who represent them. Chastain will play an ambitious gallerist, while Driver takes on the role of an aspiring artist.
The Dealer explores the high-stakes nature of the art market, where works are not only judged for their aesthetic value but also for their potential financial gain. As Chastain’s character navigates the delicate balance of promoting an artist’s work while securing her place in the competitive world of art dealing, tensions are sure to arise. Driver’s artist character, on the other hand, grapples with the pressures of living up to his own talent and the expectations placed upon him by the gallerists, collectors, and the public. The dynamic between the two leads is expected to drive much of the drama, offering a deeper look into the complex relationship between creativity and commerce.
The show is helmed by award-winning director Sam Gold, known for his work on the stage, and written by acclaimed playwright Lucas Hnath, bringing a theatrical touch to the production. Both Chastain and Driver are serving as executive producers, adding a personal investment in the series’ success.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the art world’s sometimes complex culture show on screen. Shows like The Goldfinch, Big Eyes, and Art Heist (to name a few) have explored the interplay between artists, galleries, collectors, and the high-stakes world of art. Not to mention the writers behind The Simpsons, who have furtively commented across many seasons on outsider art, forgery, and art censorship.
Newest to the scene, The Dealer promises a sophisticated and intense portrayal of the often opaque dealings that happen behind the gallery doors. With two powerhouse actors at the helm, the series is expected to provide a gripping look at how art, commerce, and personal ambition intersect in a world where value is subjective, but reputations can make or break careers.
Rachel Silva is the associate digital editor at ELLE DECOR, where she covers all things design, architecture, and lifestyle. She also oversees the publication’s feature article coverage, and is, at any moment, knee-deep in an investigation on everything from the best spa gifts to the best faux florals on the internet right now. She has more than 16 years of experience in editorial, working as a photo assignment editor at Time and acting as the president of Women in Media in NYC. She went to Columbia Journalism School, and her work has been nominated for awards from ASME, the Society of Publication Designers, and World Press Photo.
