Explosions, betrayal, and covert operations collide in Prime Video’s hit action thriller The Terminal List: Dark Wolf. This intense seven-episode prequel takes viewers deep into Ben Edwards’ dangerous past, long before he became the battle-hardened operative fans met in The Terminal List. Set against a backdrop of shadow wars and shifting loyalties, the story follows a man torn between duty and morality as he navigates missions that could cost him everything. Taut, dark, and relentless, the series has quickly climbed to the top of Prime Video’s charts, confirming its place as one of the platform’s most-watched new releases.
Driven by Taylor Kitsch’s gripping performance, Dark Wolf expands the Terminal List universe with raw emotional depth and unflinching realism. Blending psychological tension with explosive action, it explores what happens when loyalty becomes a weapon and survival depends on the lies you tell. For fans of high-stakes thrillers and morally complex heroes, this is one series you won’t want to miss. Here’s all you need to know about the show, from plot and cast to reviews and release date. The trailer is at the bottom of the article.
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The Terminal List: Dark Wolf – all the key details
- Title: The Terminal List: Dark Wolf
- Format: TV show
- Runtime: Season 1 consists of 7 episodes, 49–67 minutes each
- Genre: Action, Conspiracy thriller, Spy drama
- Country of production: United States
- Original language: English
- Release date: August 27, 2025 (first three episodes) with weekly drops through September 24
- Director / Creator: Jack Carr and David DiGilio
- Lead cast: Taylor Kitsch, Chris Pratt, Tom Hopper
- Produced by: Indivisible Productions, Hill District Media, DiGilio Films, Civic Center Media, MRC Television, Amazon MGM Studios
The Terminal List: Dark Wolf – what the prequel is about
The Terminal List: Dark Wolf follows Navy SEAL Ben Edwards as a mission in Iraq goes tragically wrong, leaving him and his platoon questioning who can be trusted. Discharged under uncertain circumstances, Ben is recruited into the CIA’s covert Ground Branch, tasked with tracking arms dealers and operatives tied to a global conspiracy. As he navigates this shadowy world, he faces moral dilemmas, forms uneasy alliances, and struggles to figure out who he can trust. The series shows how Ben transforms from a decorated combat leader into the hardened, complex operative seen in the original series, blending intense action with personal and ethical conflicts.
Cast and main characters
Taylor Kitsch returns as Ben Edwards, the central figure whose journey from SEAL to CIA operative anchors the story. Known previously for roles in Friday Night Lights and John Carter, Kitsch brings both physical presence and emotional weight. Chris Pratt reappears as James Reece, though in a smaller capacity than his original show-leading role. His presence helps tie the prequel back to the original universe. Tom Hopper plays Raife Hastings, a SEAL commander whose complex background and connections lift the narrative into broader international scope. Other notable cast members include Dar Salim, Luke Hemsworth, Rona-Lee Shimon, and Robert Wisdom.
Is it based on a true story?
The series draws upon the characters created by Jack Carr in his bestselling novelThe Terminal List, but it is not a direct adaptation of one of his books. Instead, it is an original prequel that fills in the backstory behind Ben Edwards and his transformation. The inspiration lies in author Carr’s real-world experience as a former Navy SEAL and his writing, but the plot itself is dramatized for the screen.
The reviews
Dark Wolf has drawn cautious but generally positive attention from critics. Its authentic action sequences and realistic tone, shaped by the involvement of military veterans, have been widely praised. At the same time, some reviewers note that the spin-off may feel less compelling for viewers who aren’t already invested in the original series, catering more to die-hard fans. Where the show truly shines is in its character work, exploring Ben Edwards’ internal struggles and the moral gray areas of black-ops missions. While a few critics mention that the complex geopolitical threads can slow the pace at times, the series’ gripping tension quickly grabbed viewers’ attention, propelling it to the #2 spot on Prime Video.
Filming locations
According to production reports, filming took place in Budapest, Esztergom and Szentendre in Hungary. The European locations serve as stand-ins for various Middle Eastern and international settings featured in the story.
Behind the scenes
The idea for this prequel came from a single, pivotal scene between Ben Edwards and James Reece in the original series. That moment raised questions about what really shaped Ben’s path — and Dark Wolf was born. To bring authenticity to the action, the production team enlisted former Special Forces operators and other veterans as consultants. The result is a series that blends intense war drama with high-stakes espionage, expanding the franchise into a darker, more complex world.
Release date on streaming
The show is available on Amazon Prime Video starting August 27, 2025 ► Watch on Prime Video
