Before the announcement of his latest projects, Joel Kinnaman was primarily recognized for his roles in various films and television series, garnering a steady fanbase. Expectations were high for his next ventures, particularly given his previous performances in acclaimed productions.
However, a decisive shift occurred with the announcement of Kinnaman’s involvement in the Apple TV miniseries Imperfect Women, adapted from Araminta Hall’s 2020 novel. The series is set to premiere with two episodes on March 18, 2026, and will continue weekly until its finale on April 29, 2026. This marks a significant addition to Kinnaman’s repertoire, as he takes on a role in a story that explores themes of identity and secrecy.
In addition to Imperfect Women, Kinnaman will also star in the psychological thriller Sympathy for the Devil, where he plays ‘The Driver’ alongside Nicolas Cage as ‘The Passenger’. This film is set to be available for streaming on SVT Play starting March 13, 2026. The film’s premise revolves around a single-night ordeal, adding to the tension and intrigue surrounding Kinnaman’s character.
The immediate effects of these announcements have been notable. Imperfect Women has received a 50 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, while Sympathy for the Devil holds an IMDb user rating of 5.5 out of 10, based on over 13,000 votes. Critics have offered mixed reviews, with about 60 percent of reactions being positive for the latter.
Expert voices have weighed in on Kinnaman’s new projects. Jen Chaney remarked that Imperfect Women “doesn’t distinguish itself, in style or substance, from the many, many other streaming entries,” while Daniel Fienberg criticized its “generic blandness.” In contrast, Katie Doll noted that the series works best as a character-driven drama about friendship.
As Kinnaman embarks on these new roles, the landscape of his career appears to be evolving. The combination of a miniseries and a film release in the same year could potentially broaden his audience reach and showcase his versatility as an actor.
In summary, Joel Kinnaman’s upcoming projects, Imperfect Women and Sympathy for the Devil, represent a pivotal moment in his career, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that come with new storytelling formats.