Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård has taken on a unique role in the new Apple TV+ series, Murderbot, a darkly comic sci-fi show adapted from the acclaimed Murderbot Diaries novels by American author Martha Wells. The series, premiering on May 16, features Skarsgård as a security cyborg known as a ‘SecUnit’, blending humor with existential musings in a universe where humans colonize distant planets.
Skarsgård, who also serves as an executive producer, portrays a part-human, part-machine entity designed to protect humans in space colonies. However, the twist lies in SecUnit’s self-hacked programming, which allows it to develop a penchant for binge-watching TV shows, particularly a soap opera reminiscent of Days of Our Lives. The show is directed by the Weitz brothers, Chris and Paul, known for their work on About a Boy.
The Making of “Murderbot”
The series is filmed in Toronto, which doubles as various extraterrestrial settings. Skarsgård’s commitment to the role led him to make a painful decision to wax his entire body to emphasize the character’s robotic, hairless appearance. “I thought it would be funny if Murderbot was completely hairless, to really emphasize the Ken doll look,” Skarsgård revealed. “But I came to regret that, because it was excruciatingly painful.”
The show’s narrative explores the life of SecUnit, who, despite its initial plans to harm the humans it is supposed to protect, finds itself influenced by their presence. This leads to humorous situations where the cyborg procrastinates its duties in favor of watching TV.
Skarsgård’s Comic Turn
Known for his intense roles in series like Succession and Big Little Lies, Skarsgård embraces a lighter, comedic side with SecUnit. “I was eager to lean into comedy a bit more with a character who’s not so self-assured,” he shares. The actor was drawn to the project by its unique take on the sci-fi genre, which combines humor with a critique of modern media consumption.
Author Martha Wells expressed surprise at the success of her books, stating, “I really didn’t expect this to happen … with a little novella about an angry, sarcastic security android with a rich interior life.”
Behind the Scenes with the Weitz Brothers
Chris and Paul Weitz, who adapted the novels for television, worked closely with Wells to ensure the series remained true to her vision. “Martha was our first audience,” Chris Weitz explained. “There’s no point adapting this stuff if it doesn’t fit what she had in mind.”
The brothers are no strangers to the sci-fi genre, with Chris having contributed to the Star Wars universe. Their experience informed their decision to shoot in real locations, enhancing the show’s authenticity. “Reality matters in sci-fi,” Paul Weitz noted, emphasizing the importance of grounding fantastical elements in believable settings.
Exploring Deeper Themes
Beyond its comedic exterior, Murderbot delves into themes of identity and purpose. Paul Weitz suggests that SecUnit’s journey parallels human experiences, stating, “We’re constantly dealing in the drug of our own personality. SecUnit just has some clarity.”
The series also reflects on the rise of AI and its implications for the entertainment industry. “We’d say, ‘We’re down on our luck, don’t crush us. We can still make you money.’ I think we might be saying that to AI fairly soon,” Paul Weitz humorously remarked.
As Murderbot prepares to premiere, it promises to offer a fresh take on the sci-fi genre, blending humor with poignant insights into human nature. With its unique narrative and engaging performances, the series is set to captivate audiences when it launches on Apple TV+.
