Overview of the Upcoming Series “Murderbot”
- Alexander Skarsgård stars as a self-hacking android, known as Murderbot, in the anticipated sci-fi comedy series on Apple TV+.
- The show draws inspiration from Martha Wells’ acclaimed Murderbot Diaries, chronicling the journey of an android assigned to protect scientists on an alien planet.
- The recently released trailer showcases a comedic approach, highlighting Murderbot’s desire for solitude and binge-watching soap operas.
Get ready for a fresh take on robotics that promises to blend humor with sci-fi! Alexander Skarsgård takes on a unique role as the self-hacking android known as Murderbot, featured in the much-anticipated trailer for the new Apple TV+ series. This creation, part of a security unit designed for protection, brings a blend of irony and comedy as he navigates human interactions and his own unconventional desires.
The series, based on Martha Wells’ bestselling novels in the Murderbot Diaries series, follows this newly liberated android as he is tasked with guarding a team of scientists, referred to as the PreservationAux survey team. Their mission: to explore an uncharted world teeming with unknown life forms. However, things take a turn when a massive organism decides to confront the newcomers instead.
Main Trailer Release and Premiere Date
Watch the trailer here
Right from the outset of the trailer, Murderbot’s self-awareness shines through as he quips, “I was built to protect and obey humans, and humans… are idiots.”This reveals an intriguing premise: what happens when an android gains free will? In a surprisingly relatable twist, Murderbot yearns to be left to his own devices, indulging in his favorite soap operas, particularly The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon, starring John Cho and Clark Gregg. With a staggering 7532 hours logged watching, it’s clear where his priorities lie.
However, this newfound freedom quickly gets complicated when Gurathin, an augmented human played by David Dastmalchian, realizes that the android may not be what he seems. Dubbed a “killing machine,”the real question arises: can the team trust this android with their safety, especially when another rogue entity threatens their base?
The trailer effectively captures the series’ humorous vibe and sarcastic narrative style, mirroring the first-person perspective of Wells’ novels. Fans are eager to see Skarsgård showcase his comedic talents, a departure from his previous serious roles, while he briefly flexed his comedic muscles during his cameo in FX’s What We Do in the Shadows.
Reflecting on this character, Skarsgård stated in an exclusive interview with Empire, “Ironically, I found Murderbot more relatable than most characters I’ve played. There’s a social awkwardness involved, trying to navigate how to fit into a group.” This is emphasized further as Murderbot notably shies away from eye contact, a quirk he oddly shares with his human counterparts.
He also grapples with his past, expressing feelings of being mistreated by previous clients as he encounters a new crew on a strange planet. These humans differ significantly from those in the corporate environment, as they wish to talk to him and include him, which is a new and unsettling experience for Murderbot.
The cast features not only Skarsgård but also David Dastmalchian as Gurathin, along with Noma Dumezweni, Sabrina Wu, Akshay Khanna, Tattiawna Jones, and Tamara Podemski.
Mark your calendars! Murderbot hits screens on Friday, May 16, 2025, with two episodes available at launch. Following the premiere, expect new episodes every Friday leading up to the season finale on July 11.