Apple Orders ‘Murderbot’ Sci-fi Series Based On Martha Wells’ Bestselling Novels Starring Alexander Skarsgård
Apple TV+ has given a series order to ‘Murderbot‘ a sci-fi drama based on Martha Wells’ bestselling novels starring Alexander Skarsgård, from Academy Award nominees Chris and Paul Weitz.
‘Murderbot’ is an action-packed sci-fi series, based on the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning books by Wells, about a self-hacking security android who is horrified by human emotion yet drawn to its vulnerable “clients.” Murderbot must hide its free will and complete a dangerous assignment when all it really wants is to be left alone to watch futuristic soap operas and figure out its place in the universe.
The 10-episode series hails from Paramount Television Studios, with Alexander Skarsgård (“Succession,” “Big Little Lies,” “The Northman”) in the lead role. In addition to starring, Skarsgård will serve as executive producer alongside the Weitz brothers. Chris and Paul Weitz (“About a Boy,” “Mozart in the Jungle”) will write, direct and produce under their Depth of Field banner. Andrew Miano also executive produces alongside for Depth of Field. David S. Goyer, showrunner on Apple’s excellent ‘Foundation‘ sci-fi series, executive produces alongside Keith Levine for Phantom Four. Original author, Martha Wells, will serve as consulting producer.
The Murderbot Diaries novel series began in 2017 with All Systems Red and consists of seven novels and three short stories so far, with the seventh novel, System Collapse, being released in November 2023. The books have gained widespread acclaim for their unique narrative perspective, exploring themes of identity, autonomy, and the relationship between artificial intelligence and humanity. The character of Murderbot itself is known for its dry humour, introspection, and relatable portrayal of a being trying to understand its place in the world. The series has won multiple awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards.
‘Murderbot‘ does not yet have a premiere date but will air on Apple TV+ worldwide. If you want to keep track of this or any other show, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date.
