[Editor’s note: The following contains major spoilers for The Bondsman.]

The supernatural horror series The Bondsman tells the gripping story of the slain bounty hunter Hub Halloran (Kevin Bacon), who is resurrected by the Devil with a crucial mission: to capture and return the demons that have escaped from Hell. Accompanied by his mother (Beth Grant), Hub embarks on a journey to reconnect with his former partner in country music, Maryanne (Jennifer Nettles), and their son (Maxwell Jenkins). Along the way, he grapples with the profound metaphorical demons that have shaped his life and led him to this pivotal moment.

The Bondsman is a thrilling adventure filled with demons, gore, and country music, enhanced by Kevin Bacon‘s captivating performance. The series masterfully combines elements of fun, humor, and bloodshed with a poignant family story at its core. In an exclusive interview with Collider, showrunner Erik Oleson shared insights on his involvement with the series, the balancing act of story and tone, Bacon’s magnetic presence in the role, the daring choice of a main character’s death within the first ten minutes, and the emotional family dramedy that underpins the narrative. He also highlights the original soundtrack featuring songs by Bacon and Nettles, along with the cliffhanger designed to entice audiences for future seasons.

Collider: This series is an exhilarating blend of various themes, and it promises an exciting viewing experience.

ERIK OLESON: Our goal was to develop a show that would be enjoyable to write, produce, and watch, and we aimed to succeed in all three aspects.

It’s remarkable because you have Kevin Bacon, who is a significant draw, though I wouldn’t have initially imagined him in this role.

OLESON: Kevin Bacon has an impressive career spanning collaborations with numerous exceptional filmmakers over the past few decades. He has experience in films like Hollow Man and Tremors, showcasing his versatility in the horror genre. Additionally, he has tackled comedic roles in Animal House and portrayed complex characters in dramatic films like Mystic River. His natural charisma brings a unique dimension to Hub Halloran, making audiences empathize with the character despite his questionable actions, as you become invested in the journey he takes.

The Intriguing Infusion of Blumhouse, Kevin Bacon, and Demon-Slaying That Captivated Showrunner Erik Oleson

“I Crafted the Unique Blend of Elements That Became the Show You Enjoyed.”

What drew you to this project? How did you become the showrunner for a series you didn’t originally create?

OLESON: The truth is, there was an exceptional original script penned by Grainger David, which served as the foundation for what you see in the pilot. Kevin Bacon had collaborated with Jason Blum on a film, and they were seeking to package and pitch the show to various networks. After Amazon reviewed the script, they reached out to me, asking if I could take the core elements from Grainger David’s original script and build a new series around it. Naturally, I was thrilled at the opportunity to work with Blumhouse and Kevin Bacon on a demon-hunting adventure. I jumped at the chance and ended up collaborating with Grainger to write the pilot, effectively crafting the unique blend of elements that became the show you enjoyed.

Was there a particular aspect you prioritized in the show’s development that guided the rest of the process?

OLESON: When conceiving a show, my approach involves establishing a unique genre strategy or a central theme. In this case, the theme of redemption is prominent. However, the story’s resolution may surprise you if you watch to the end. I believe in laying out a clear structure for the season early on, allowing all contributors to share their creative ideas. I prefer not to be the secretive showrunner who keeps everything under wraps until the script is released; rather, I involve everyone in the process from the beginning. This collaborative effort ultimately shaped the show we produced.

How does the main character’s early demise in the series shape the overall narrative? Does it provide a unique creative freedom that’s uncommon when a character is alive?

OLESON: Absolutely. My intention was to demonstrate the diverse tonal flavors of the show right from the opening sequence, so when I crafted the pilot’s beginning, I was eager to set the Appalachia backdrop while introducing Hub Halloran as a bounty hunter on the trail of a fugitive. You witness his preparation, donning a bullet-proof vest and gathering his gear, defining his character as a determined bounty hunter. As he approaches an old motel, he pulls out a hornet’s nest, showcasing his crafty, unorthodox methods. The tension escalates, culminating in a shocking moment where his character is brutally slain. Viewers are left stunned, thinking, “Did they just kill Kevin Bacon in the first few minutes?” And then comes the twist—he awakens, introducing the supernatural elements of the show as he gazes into the mirror. The first eight to nine minutes of our show effectively encapsulate the various tones and themes that viewers can expect. This strategic choice in storytelling was intentional, setting an exciting tone for the series.

The Balance of Demon-Hunting Gore and Laughter in The Bondsman

“Creating a Rollercoaster of Emotions Through Humor and Horror Works.”

In a scene where Hub examines his injury in the mirror, the gore is evident, yet it’s immediately followed by a more light-hearted moment of him smoking a cigarette. Is it possible to amplify the gore while maintaining a balance with humor?

OLESON: Our goal was to ensure the show didn’t come off as excessively bloody or off-putting. I wanted to create an enjoyable viewing experience, filled with humor and fun. Having worked on serious television in the past, I wanted this project to be different. Audience engagement can be heightened through unexpected laughter. A classic technique in horror storytelling involves building suspense, only to release it with a jump scare that turns out to be harmless—like a cat. This creates a moment of laughter before the real threat reemerges. By zigging and zagging between laughs and horror, we create a unique viewer experience that keeps them engaged.

Did this approach factor into the decision-making process regarding the types of demons featured in the show? The idea of a demonic cheerleader is particularly amusing.

OLESON: When discussing tone with Amazon, I pitched ideas for quirky and humorous demons. I was particularly excited about incorporating a demonic cheerleader and a pastor into the mix. I aimed to create unexpected contrasts, such as watching Kevin Bacon struggle against a demonic cheerleader at the bottom of a pool. That juxtaposition is pure entertainment, and I wanted to bring that to life.

While this could have simply been a fun demon-hunting series, the family dynamics add an intriguing layer. What draws you to this family aspect? How was it working with Beth Grant as Hub’s mother?

OLESON: The family dramedy is the show’s emotional core. Hub returns to Earth to hunt demons for the Devil, but his real motivation is to gain a second chance at mending relationships with his family, specifically those he has hurt in the past. The family members are largely unaware of the full story, including the significant mystery surrounding Hub’s fall from grace. I have immense admiration for Beth Grant; she is a phenomenal actress and a radiant presence both on and off screen. She developed a wonderful friendship with my partner, which speaks to her warmth. Beth expressed gratitude for the role, saying that opportunities like this are rare for women of a certain age. Her dynamic with Kevin Bacon is simply magical; she has a unique ability to bring out his vulnerabilities, creating a captivating chemistry.

The addition of Jennifer Nettles as Maryanne not only brings depth to the character but also leads to a dynamic musical collaboration between her and Kevin Bacon. How exciting is it to have your show’s stars contributing to an original soundtrack and potentially releasing an album?

OLESON: It’s absolutely surreal! Initially, we sought to cast someone who could sing, as Maryanne is a vocal character, and Blumhouse recommended Jen Nettles due to their previous collaboration on The Exorcist. Securing her for this role was a significant achievement because her singing is truly remarkable. What I never anticipated was the genuine friendship that blossomed between Kevin Bacon and Jennifer Nettles off-screen, leading them to spend time together during weekends composing original songs for the show.

Randomly, I would receive texts from them, sharing their musical creations. They would say, “Hey, Erik. We were just jamming. What do you think of this?” It was incredible! Such a dynamic collaboration is rare in a showrunner’s experience, where cast members not only bond as actors but also engage in music creation together. Some of their music made its way into the show, but there was so much more than we could utilize. They wrote original songs and crafted music inspired by The Bondsman from their characters’ perspectives. This unexpected outcome has been a joyous highlight for our team, fostering a family-like atmosphere where everyone aimed to contribute their best to the project.

The Master Plan Behind The Bondsman’s Cliffhanger Ending by Showrunner Erik Oleson

“I Aimed to Make It Impossible for Amazon to Pass on Season 2.”

What inspired the season finale’s dramatic conclusion? Lilith demands Hub follow her to save Maryanne’s life. What implications does this have for Hub? Should you get a chance for a second season, do you plan to explore this further?

OLESON: My objective was to create a scenario that would make it nearly impossible for Amazon to deny us a second season. That was my cunning plan to secure future episodes. Yes, I have a wealth of stories yet to tell if we are fortunate enough to continue the series. I intend to address all existing questions while also introducing new, even more intriguing ones if we secure a second season. So, Amazon, please consider this request—give us more episodes!

Do you adhere to a guideline of never depicting the Devil in your storytelling? Would you consider doing so if you reach Season 10?

OLESON: Let’s make a deal right now. If they greenlight a Season 10, I promise to depict Hell. Until then, I plan to keep the Devil’s presence indirect, allowing him to communicate through unusual means, like faxes. One of the show’s unique aspects is the bizarre concept of the Devil operating a front company, The Pot of Gold, with a representative reminiscent of a pyramid scheme to manage his earthly dealings. Jolene Purdy plays Midge, an unexpectedly amusing agent of the Devil, which adds a unique twist to the genre. By flipping traditional tropes upside down and injecting humor, we can create a distinct and unforgettable viewing experience, stepping away from the conventional scary Blumhouse witches in the woods to showcase a demonic cheerleader instead.

The Bondsman is now available for streaming on Prime Video. Don’t miss the chance to watch the thrilling trailer: