Based on Martha Wells’ bestselling Hugo and Nebula Award-winning book series, Murderbot is set to captivate audiences as a sci-fi comedic thriller. The series, which premieres on Apple TV+ on May 16, follows a self-hacking security construct, played by Alexander Skarsgård, as it grapples with human emotions while attempting to complete a perilous mission. Despite its intimidating name, Murderbot is more interested in watching futuristic soap operas and discovering its place in the universe.
Last month, we had the opportunity to speak with Skarsgård and the creative minds behind the series, Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz, who serve as creators, writers, directors, and producers. The discussion delved into the challenge of portraying humanity in a character known as “Murderbot.”
Exploring the Humanity in “Murderbot”
When asked about his approach to the role, Skarsgård explained, “We wanted a contrast and a juxtaposition between the name of the character and the way we designed the look of the character. We wanted a tough name like Murderbot, who looks like he could definitely beat you up, but it’s a fun contrast when you actually meet it. It’s not a testosterone-filled fighting machine. It’s a very socially awkward android who wants to be left alone to watch Sanctuary Moon.”
This intriguing character dynamic is central to the series’ appeal, offering a fresh take on the sci-fi genre. The Weitz brothers, known for their work on About a Boy and Chris’s contribution to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, bring a wealth of experience to the project. Their background in sci-fi world-building has proven invaluable in crafting the visually stunning universe of Murderbot.
The Creative Vision Behind “Murderbot”
Chris Weitz reflected on his experience with Rogue One and how it informed his work on Murderbot. “Yeah, I think that learning from Gareth Edwards about science fiction world-building that incorporated live-action and CGI so well was a real roadmap for us, visually,” he confirmed. “Also, knowing that there is an intensely motivated fandom that is waiting on any clue as to what it is you’re going about, and that really closely prize their head cannon of things and that you need to try and make them understand you’re a fan as well.”
He continued, “[It’s about] understanding that the way to popularise something like this is to take what people are really into or really love about it and bring it to the world rather than saying, ‘We’re going to get rid of all these dumb elements and make it more like stuff that’s succeeded.'”
Alexander Skarsgård’s Journey to Sci-Fi
While Skarsgård’s father, Stellan, is currently making waves in the Star Wars universe with Andor, Alexander himself is no stranger to genre fare, having starred in True Blood, Godzilla vs. Kong, and Infinity Pool. However, Murderbot marks his first full-blown sci-fi project.
“I’m a child of the 80s. I grew up watching Star Wars. It’s a bit of a dream to be part of a sci-fi project. I wanted to wait for the right one,” Skarsgård revealed. “I’ve read a couple of things over the years that weren’t quite for me, but this felt perfect.”
He added, “Tonally, it was something I was drawn to. It was so idiosyncratic and different and unexpected. I had no interest in playing a more generic or derivative character. This felt like something I hadn’t seen or read before.”
The Ensemble Cast and Premiere
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Noma Dumezweni (Presumed Innocent), David Dastmalchian (Oppenheimer), Sabrina Wu (Joy Ride), Akshay Khanna (Critical Incident), Tattiawna Jones (The Handmaid’s Tale), and Tamara Podemski (Outer Range).
As anticipation builds for the premiere, fans of the book series and newcomers alike are eager to see how Murderbot translates to the screen. The series promises to deliver a unique blend of humor, action, and introspection, challenging traditional sci-fi tropes.
For more insights into the making of Murderbot, watch our full interviews with Alexander Skarsgård and Chris Weitz & Paul Weitz, where they share fascinating details about the show’s development and their creative process.
