Apple TV+ is gearing up to deliver a pulse-pounding addition to its slate with 12 12 12, a contemporary international heist series that promises high stakes, intricate plotting, and a stellar cast. Announced in May 2024, the series has generated buzz for its unique narrative structure and powerhouse ensemble, including Anthony Mackie, Jamie Dornan, Jack Kesy, and the recent addition of True Detective: Night Country star Kali Reis. Described as a “daring, epic” crime drama, 12 12 12 unfolds across three timelines centered on a bank vault heist in Zurich, blending cat-and-mouse suspense with cinematic flair. Here’s everything you need to know about the release schedule, expected premiere, cast, plot, and why this series is shaping up to be a must-watch thriller on Apple TV+.
Release Schedule and Expected Premiere
12 12 12 was officially acquired by Apple TV+ in May 2024, with Variety reporting that the series was nearing a formal greenlight at the time. Principal photography began in early 2025, with filming taking place in Budapest, Sopron, and Texas, as noted on Wikipedia. Given the typical production timeline for Apple TV+ series, which often take 12-18 months from filming to release, 12 12 12 is expected to premiere in mid-to-late 2026, likely between June and September. While no official release date has been confirmed, the show’s high-profile cast and co-production by Skydance Television and Anonymous Content suggest a significant promotional push, potentially aligning with Apple’s summer or fall 2026 slate.
The series is anticipated to consist of 6-8 episodes, following the format of similar Apple TV+ dramas like Your Honor or The Morning Show. All episodes are expected to drop simultaneously on Apple TV+, consistent with the platform’s binge-release model for select series, though a weekly rollout remains possible given Apple’s recent experimentation with hybrid schedules. 12 12 12 will be available globally on Apple TV+ in over 100 countries, accessible via the Apple TV app on devices like iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and gaming consoles for $9.99/month with a seven-day free trial. Fans can catch up on Mackie’s Twisted Metal or Dornan’s The Tourist to tide them over until 12 12 12 lands.
The Cast: A Powerhouse Ensemble
The cast of 12 12 12 is a major draw, blending established stars with rising talents. Anthony Mackie leads as a disgraced FBI agent, bringing his charisma and intensity from roles like Sam Wilson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Captain America: Brave New World) and Twisted Metal. Mackie, who also executive produces via his Make It With Gravy banner, has a history of tackling complex characters, and his reunion with director Kari Skogland (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) promises a dynamic performance.
Jamie Dornan co-stars as an American career criminal, leveraging his ability to portray layered antiheroes, as seen in The Fall (BAFTA-nominated) and The Tourist. Dornan, who previously worked with Mackie in the 2019 sci-fi thriller Synchronic, also serves as an executive producer, adding personal investment to the project. His charm and brooding intensity are expected to make his criminal a compelling foil to Mackie’s agent.
Jack Kesy joins as a key player, believed to be portraying Dornan’s brother involved in the heist, according to Deadline. Kesy, known for Hellboy: The Crooked Man and Deadpool 2, brings a rugged edge, with fans on Reddit praising his underutilized talent and hoping 12 12 12 will elevate his profile.
Kali Reis, a breakout star from True Detective: Night Country, rounds out the main cast, adding grit and authenticity. A former world champion boxer in two weight classes, Reis earned Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics’ Choice nominations for her role opposite Jodie Foster. Her acting credits include Catch the Fair One (2021), which earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination, and upcoming films Mercy and Wind River: The Next Chapter. Reis’s casting, announced on May 5, 2025, via Variety, has sparked excitement for her ability to bring raw intensity to the series.
Additional cast members include Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (Severance), who joined on May 8, 2025, bringing his commanding presence from The Tourist and Somebody Somewhere. Agathe Rousselle (Titane) and Sallie Harmsen (Blade Runner 2049) were added on May 15, 2025, enhancing the European flavor of the series. IMDb also lists Nicolas Bosc and Christian Bako in supporting roles, potentially as European law enforcement or heist crew members. The ensemble’s diversity and talent promise a rich dynamic, with fans on X speculating about potential chemistry between Reis and Mackie.
The Plot: A High-Stakes Heist Across Three Timelines
12 12 12 is a contemporary heist thriller created and written by Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble, known for Silent Witness and Wild Bill. The series unfolds across three propulsive timelines: the 12 months of planning, the 12 hours of the heist, and the 12 days following the heist. At its core is a daring raid on a bank vault deep beneath the streets of Zurich, described as “epic” by Deadline. The narrative follows a disgraced FBI agent (Mackie) and an American career criminal (Dornan) locked in a zero-sum game of cat and mouse across Europe, with the heist as the central battleground.
The unique timeline structure, as highlighted by Digital Spy, sets 12 12 12 apart, weaving together the meticulous preparation, the high-adrenaline execution, and the chaotic aftermath. Mackie’s FBI agent, likely driven by a need for redemption after a professional fall, pursues Dornan’s cunning criminal, whose motivations remain shrouded in mystery. Kesy’s character, speculated to be Dornan’s brother, adds a familial layer to the heist, potentially complicating loyalties. Reis’s role is yet to be detailed, but her casting suggests a pivotal character—possibly a heist crew member, a rival operative, or a local contact in Zurich—given her proven ability to portray tough, layered figures. Ólafsson, Rousselle, and Harmsen may play European authorities or accomplices, grounding the story’s international scope.
The series promises a blend of psychological tension and action, with Skogland’s pilot direction expected to deliver cinematic flair, as seen in her work on The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The Zurich setting, with its pristine yet shadowy financial underbelly, offers a fresh backdrop for the heist, while the European chase scenes—filmed in Hungary—will likely amplify the stakes. Fans on Reddit speculate the series could explore themes of betrayal and moral ambiguity, with one user noting, “Mackie vs. Dornan in a heist? That’s gonna be intense.” The involvement of writers like Samantha Corbin-Miller (Your Honor) ensures a tight, character-driven script.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
12 12 12 is poised to be a standout in Apple TV+’s growing catalog of prestige dramas, combining the star power of Mackie, Dornan, Kesy, and Reis with a bold narrative structure. The series’ three-timeline approach, as noted by Collider, offers a fresh take on the heist genre, promising suspense and surprises. Mackie’s commanding presence, fresh off Captain America: Brave New World’s $414 million box office, pairs perfectly with Dornan’s nuanced intensity, while Reis’s raw energy and Kesy’s grit add depth. The international setting and Skogland’s direction elevate the series beyond typical crime dramas, with The Hollywood Reporter calling it a “wild ride”.
The series also benefits from its production pedigree, with Skydance Television (Reacher) and Anonymous Content (True Detective) ensuring high production values. Fans on X are already hyping the Mackie-Dornan reunion post-Synchronic, with one user writing, “Their chemistry was unreal in that film—can’t wait for this!” The addition of Reis, praised for her True Detective role, has sparked particular excitement, with another X post calling her “a game-changer”. While some IMDb discrepancies list additional actors like Nicolas Bosc, the confirmed cast alone guarantees a compelling ensemble.
Looking Ahead
With filming underway in 2025, 12 12 12 is on track to become a flagship thriller for Apple TV+ in 2026. Its blend of high-stakes action, psychological drama, and a unique timeline structure positions it as a rival to hits like Money Heist or Lupin. Fans can prepare by revisiting Mackie in Twisted Metal on Peacock or Dornan in The Tourist on Netflix, while Reis’s True Detective: Night Country streams on Max. As anticipation builds, 12 12 12 promises to deliver a thrilling, globe-trotting heist that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned for updates, and mark your calendars for this unmissable Apple TV+ gem.
