Apple TV+ launches Murderbot, a series about an android who hates people but saves them (because he has to)
The Apple TV+ streaming service has released a trailer for the new sci-fi series Murderbot, an adaptation of the popular book series by Martha Wells. The lead role is played and co-produced by Alexander Skarsgård. The premiere is scheduled for 16 May 2025. And it looks like it will be another android hero who would rather be in a dark room with Netflix, but saves humanity again.
Here's What We Know
The plot revolves around a semi-organic android that calls itself Murderbot. He hacked his command module so that no one could force him to do anything. But instead of being idle, he started secretly protecting people. These are the kind of characters - socially uncomfortable and at the same time extremely effective - that we all love so much. Especially when they sarcastically hate everything human.
Skarsgård not only plays the role of Murderbot, but is also an executive producer. The showrunner of the series is Chrisy Hinds, known for her work on Good Girls Revolt. The pilot episode is directed by Alex Graves, who has worked on Game of Thrones and The Boys.
This is the first series based on the bestselling novels by Martha Wells, which have won numerous awards, including the Hugo (Readers' Choice Award), Nebula (Science Fiction Writers of America Award) and Locus (award from the science fiction magazine of the same name). The original series consists of nine books, so Apple is clearly counting on a long-term contract with a bot that would just like to leave everyone alone.
Expect something between Black Mirror, The Mandalorian, and social anxiety on steroids. And if the trailer doesn't convince you, it's worth checking out at least for Murderbot's catchy phrases and Skarsgård's typical Scandinavian spin.
- Premiere: 16 May 2025
- Where to watch: Apple TV+.
- Based on: "The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
