Apple Just Shared a First Glimpse of Its Murderbot TV Show

Murderbot is Coming to Apple TV+

While Apple TV+ might potentially be known for its acclaimed sci-fi series “Severance,” the streaming platform is about to expand its repertoire with another highly anticipated series: “Murderbot.” Based on Martha Wells‘ Hugo, Locus, and Nebula Award-winning *Murderbot Diaries* series, this comedic thriller promises a unique blend of sci-fi action and witty humor.

Meet Murderbot

The series centers on Murderbot, a self-aware security unit played by Alexander Skarsgård. Despite its programming, Murderbot is horrified by human emotion, yet inexplicably drawn to its vulnerable clients. In a comical twist, Murderbot finds itself forced to confront its own desires for solitude and entertainment while fulfilling a risky assignment.

“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 Creative Team Behind Murderbot

“murderbot” is brought to life by creators Chris and Paul weitz, known for their work on films like “About a Boy” and “Mozart in the Jungle.” Skarsgård not only stars but also serves as an executive producer. The highly talented cast also includes Noma Dumezweni, David Dastmalchian, Sabrina Wu, Akshay Khanna, Tattiawna Jones, and Tamara podemski.

From Page to Screen

Based on a popular seven-part book series that began in 2017 with *All Systems red* and most recently concluded with *System Collapse* in 2023, “Murderbot” has garnered a devoted fanbase eager to see their favorite character come to life on screen.

mark Your Calendars

Get ready to dive into the world of murderbot on May 16 when the first two episodes premiere exclusively on apple TV+. The series will consist of 10 episodes, with a new episode released weekly until July 11.

Are you a fan of the books? Will you be tuning in to the series?

How did the series creators approach bringing the inherently internal dialog-heavy Murderbot character to the screen?

Murderbot is Coming to Apple TV+: an Interview with Series Creator Chris Weitz

Archyde sat down with Chris Weitz, co-creator of the upcoming apple TV+ series “Murderbot,” to discuss this highly anticipated adaptation of Martha Wells’ beloved “Murderbot Diaries.” Weitz shares insights into bringing Murderbot to life, the talented cast, and what fans can expect from the new series.

Q: Chris, thank you for joining us today.To start, what drew you and your brother Paul to Martha Wells’ “Murderbot Diaries” series?

Chris Weitz: Thank you for having me. We were promptly drawn to the unique viewpoint of Murderbot, a self-aware AI trying to navigate human emotion and societal expectations. The comedic and dramatic elements of the stories, combined with martha’s extraordinary world-building, made it an irresistible project for us.

Q: Alexander Skarsgård headlines the series as Murderbot. How did you approach bringing this iconic character to the screen, especially given it’s inherently internal dialogue-heavy nature?

Chris Weitz: Alex was our first choice for the role. He has this amazing ability to convey complex emotions with the subtlest of expressions. To tackle the internal dialogue, we worked closely with Alex and our scripts to find visual and behavioral ways to communicate Murderbot’s thoughts and feelings, while keeping the classic ‘inner monologue’ tone of the books.

Q: The cast is truly remarkable, with Noma Dumezweni, David Dastmalchian, and more. How has it been working with such a talented ensemble?

Chris Weitz: It’s been an absolute dream. Every actor brought such depth and specificity to their roles, often drawing from the source material but also adding their unique voices.The dynamic between Murderbot and its clients, played by Noma and David, is a highlight of the series – it’s a beautiful blend of humor, tension, and genuine affection.

Q: “Murderbot” combines comedy and action with thought-provoking themes about identity, self-finding, and societal expectations. Was it challenging to balance these elements in the adaptation?

Chris Weitz: Not at all. It’s what makes the story so compelling. Murderbot’s journey is inherently funny, dramatic, and philosophical. Our goal was to honor that balance in each episode, ensuring that each scene serves the story while also entertaining and inspiring reflection.

Q: For fans of the books, what can they expect from the series, and what might they be surprised by?

Chris Weitz: we stayed true to the core elements of the books, but we also expanded and adapted some aspects to create a visually stunning, action-packed TV experience. Fans should expect to see their favorite moments and characters brought to life, along with some fresh takes and surprises. We hope they’ll enjoy seeing Murderbot’s world through a new lens.

Q: “Murderbot” premieres on May 16. What excites you most about sharing this story with a wider audience?

Chris Weitz: I’m most excited for audiences to meet our version of Murderbot and discover what a unique, entertaining, and thought-provoking journey it is. whether they’re fans of the books or newer to the story, we hope “Murderbot” resonates with viewers and sparks conversations about identity, self-acceptance, and our relationship with technology.

Thank you,Chris,for joining us today and sharing your insights on “Murderbot.” Fans can catch the first two episodes on apple TV+ starting may 16, with new episodes weekly until july 11.