A former intelligence operative, a deadly daughter, and a mysterious past collide, shattering any sense of normalcy: Butterfly weaves together espionage, action, and family drama for an international thriller. Starring Daniel Dae Kim and Reina Hardesty, and set in South Korea, this Prime Video original series distinguishes itself through its rapid pace and striking visuals.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the series boasts an impressive 83% audience score. It has also surged into the top two most popular shows worldwide on the platform. [TRAILER below]
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Butterfly – All you need to know
- Original Title: Butterfly
- Format: TV Series
- Length: 1 season – 6 episodes
- Genre: Spy Thriller, Action, Drama
- Country of Production: United States
- Original Language: English, Korean
- Year of Release: 2025
- Creators / Showrunners: Steph Cha & Ken Woodruff
- Main Cast: Daniel Dae Kim, Reina Hardesty, Piper Perabo, Louis Landau
- Production: Amazon Prime Video Original (co-produced with Boom! Studios, 3AD, 82nd West)
Butterfly, what is it about?
David Jung (Daniel Dae Kim), a former intelligence agent, faked his own death and now lives under a new identity in South Korea. However, his old life resurfaces when he learns that his daughter, Rebecca (Reina Hardesty), has become a cold-blooded assassin working for the shadowy group Caddis—an organization he himself once established. Emotionally, anger, pain, and the complicated hope of reconciliation collide; action-wise, viewers are treated to high-stakes chases, fractured loyalties, and brutal confrontations in both urban landscapes and covert hideouts. Butterfly is a spy thriller that explores suspenseful family ties and the will to survive. Fun fact: Daniel Dae Kim performed nearly all of his own stunts for the series, showing impressive physical strength at 57 years old.
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The main cast of Butterfly
Daniel Dae Kim stars as David Jung, a former agent fighting for redemption and forced to confront his past—including the daughter who believed he was dead. Reina Hardesty plays Rebecca, a fiercely dangerous and psychologically complex figure determined to settle old scores. Her portrayal stands out in this tightly woven story. Piper Perabo takes on an unusual and antagonistic role as the formidable leader of the Caddis organization, embodying a threat that goes far beyond a typical villain. Louis Landau plays Oliver, a key character and Juno’s son, caught between loyalty and tense rivalry.
Who is Daniel Dae Kim?
Daniel Dae Kim is a veteran actor and producer best known for bringing intelligence, restraint, and physical credibility to genre storytelling. He first gained global recognition as Jin-Soo Kwon on Lost, where his emotionally layered performance helped redefine Asian representation in American television. Over the years, he has moved fluidly between action, drama, and prestige TV, with standout roles in Hawaii Five-0, The Good Doctor (also as a producer), and numerous voice and film projects. In Butterfly, Kim draws on decades of experience playing men shaped by secrecy and loyalty. His decision to perform nearly all of his own stunts at 57 reinforces his reputation as an actor whose screen presence is built as much on discipline and craft as on physical endurance.
Our Review
Butterfly impresses with a refined visual style and an exceptionally fast pace: Seoul is transformed into a maze of neon and shadow, infusing the spy genre with a truly international energy. Daniel Dae Kim delivers a compelling performance, marked by surprising physicality rarely seen in his previous roles. Reina Hardesty emerges as a revelation, capturing the edge and darkness of her character with skill.
Butterfly doesn’t reinvent the spy thriller, but it refreshes the genre with style and some remarkable visual flair. The open ending leaves viewers eager for a possible second season, as hinted at by several key characters.
Is Butterfly based on a true story?
Butterfly is adapted from the graphic novel Butterfly by Arash Amel (story by Marguerite Bennett, illustrations by Antonio Fuso and Stefano Simeone), published by Boom! Studios. The series is an original work for television and is not based on true events.
Filming Locations
Much of the series was shot in South Korea, and the cinematography highlights the country’s cityscapes and distinctive local settings, including underground headquarters and atmospheric nighttime streets.
Release Date & How to Watch
Butterfly is available to stream on Prime Video as of August 13, 2025, with all six episodes ready to watch.
► Watch Butterfly on Prime Video
