Meet Eric Edelstein: Actor Behind ‘The Boroughs’ Fearsome Security Guard Hank

Eric Edelstein’s portrayal of Hank Williams in the Netflix series “The Boroughs” captures a unique and compelling villain. As the head of security, Hank instills a sense of dread from the first episode. His character adds depth to a series filled with a stellar ensemble cast.
Who Is Hank Williams in “The Boroughs”
Hank Williams, played by Eric Edelstein, is depicted as a heavy-set, irritable character who enforces the rules of a seemingly perfect retirement community. His role as a bureaucratic enforcer presents an ordinary yet unsettling threat to the residents.
- Hank serves as an obstacle to anyone who challenges the community’s facade.
- His character contrasts sharply with Blaine, the show’s real antagonist, who hides his malevolence behind a smile.
- In one memorable scene, Hank discourages a report of a stolen item, emphasizing his desire to maintain control over revealing the truth.
Eric Edelstein’s Background and Career
Born on April 23, 1977, Eric Edelstein has built a diverse career in acting and voice work. He gained prominence for his role as the Grizzly Bear in “We Bare Bears” and has appeared in films such as “Jurassic World” and “Green Room.” His impressive range enables him to transition from a comedic character to a menacing authority figure in “The Boroughs.”
In November 2024, Edelstein was officially cast in “The Boroughs,” joining a talented ensemble, including Ed Begley Jr. and Jane Kaczmarek. Filming began in September of that year.
A Closer Look at “The Boroughs”
The show debuted on Netflix on May 21, 2026. It focuses on a seemingly idyllic retirement community that hides darker secrets, as a newcomer encounters horror that leads him to join a group of unlikely heroes.
- Netflix aims for high-concept storytelling similar to “Stranger Things.”
- Creators Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, along with executive producers Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer, blend elements of suspense, comedy, and horror.
Hank’s Role in the Series
Hank Williams functions as a vital narrative device, embodying institutional compliance that can become oppressive. Carlos Miranda portrays Paz Navarro, a security guard caught between loyalty to Hank and concern for the residents’ safety. The relationship between these characters drives the story’s emotional conflict.
Eric Edelstein’s performance invites viewers to reflect on authority figures in their lives. His portrayal of Hank is both realistically flawed and memorably unsettling, elevating “The Boroughs” beyond typical genre fare.
As audiences engage with the show, they may find themselves drawn into discussions about Hank’s character and Edelstein’s standout performance. “The Boroughs” promises to keep viewers captivated with its blend of horror and complex storytelling.




