Alexander Skarsgård Stars in Murderbot: All 10 Episodes & Release Dates Revealed

TV screens, especially small ones, often seek inspiration from literature for a dash of creative spark, and some beloved books have been transformed into captivating TV series that keep viewers engrossed from beginning to end. Alexander Skarsgård, a well-known actor in Hollywood, is expanding his repertoire by starring as the lead in the sci-fi action-comedy series Murderbot. In this show, he plays the title character, a security android with the uncommon ability of independent thought.

Produced by filmmaking team Chris and Paul Weitz, the upcoming sci-fi comedy is inspired by Martha Wells’ beloved book series The Murderbot Diaries. This highly anticipated production will premiere on May 16, 2025, exclusively on Apple TV+. Fans can enjoy the first two episodes of the ten-part series right away upon its debut, with new episodes following every week in a weekly release schedule for Murderbot.

How Many Episodes Will ‘Murderbot’ Have?

The initial run of the Murderbot series is scheduled to kick off on Apple TV+, starting from May 16, 2025. This premiere event will be exclusive to Apple TV+ and will feature a total of 10 episodes. On its global launch, the first two episodes of this sci-fi action comedy will be aired. The subsequent episodes will be released weekly, with new installments becoming available every Friday until July 11, which will signify the end of the season.

Episode Title Release Date
1 FreeCommerce May 16, 2025
2 Eye Contact May 16, 2025
3 Risk Assessment May 23, 2025
4 Escape Velocity Protocol May 30, 2025
5 Rogue War Tracker Infinite June 6, 2025
6 Command Feed June 13, 2025
7 Complementary Species June 20, 2025
8 Foreign Object June 27, 2025
9 All Systems Red July 4, 2025
10 The Perimeter July 11, 2025

What Is the Sci-Fi Comedy Series About?

Emmy-winning actor Alexander Skarsgård is taking on dual roles in the sci-fi comedy series “Murderbot,” based on Martha Wells’ popular book series. In this adaptation, Skarsgård will play the main character, a self-aware security android known as Murderbot, who must conceal its independent thinking while executing perilous tasks for clients in need of protection. As per the Apple TV+ summary, Murderbot is both repulsed and intrigued by human feelings, yet yearns for solitude to enjoy futuristic soap operas and contemplate its role in the cosmos.

The series, titled “Untitled Weitz Brothers Project” (previously associated with Chris and Paul Weitz, known for films like “About a Boy” and “American Pie”), was initially revealed in development by Wells in 2021. He expressed enthusiasm about the project after reading the pilot script, stating, “They’re working on it, and I’ve actually read the script, the pilot script, and I’m really excited about it.” However, filming was postponed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Eventually, a high-profile cast was announced, and production resumed in March 2024, with a planned release date on May 16, 2025.

During its debut season, which is adapted from the initial novel “All Systems Red“, the complex security unit known as Murderbot finds itself assigned to safeguard a team of researchers on their expedition into a dangerous planet. Despite its advanced nature, Murderbot is compelled to ensure that its clients treat the mission with due importance. In a conversation with Vanity Fair, Chris Weitz expressed his enthusiasm for the unconventional plot, stating, “It’s delightful to appreciate the idiosyncrasies and imperfections of these individuals.” He went on to clarify Murderbot’s role in this endeavor:

Since they seem ill-suited for this journey, Murderbot feels compelled to protect them from harm. Initially, it doesn’t necessarily care about them deeply, but it has a knack for being excellent at its duties regardless of circumstances. It wouldn’t choose to do so, but its proficiency is unmatched.

Who Is Starring in ‘Murderbot’?

In December 2023, it was revealed that Alexander Skarsgård, a renowned actor in movies and TV shows, would lead the highly anticipated adaptation. With his impressive ability to embody a centuries-old vampire from ‘True Blood’, a high-fashion runway model in ‘Zoolander’, a fierce Viking warrior in ‘The Northman’, and an iconic literary character in ‘The Legend of Tarzan’, portraying an emotionally-complex cyborg seems like a straightforward task for the versatile Skarsgård.

In the sci-fi comedy series, joining Alexander Skarsgård is David Dastmalchian as the character Gurathin, who has gained recognition following his role in the 2023 horror sensation “Late Night with the Devil” and appearances in “Dune,” “Oppenheimer,” “The Last Voyage of the Demeter,” and the “Ant-Man” film series. Noma Dumezweni, known for her roles in “The Little Mermaid” and “Presumed Innocent,” will portray Mensah, the team’s leader. Meanwhile, Sabrina Wu (from “Joy Ride”) is set to play Pin-Lee, a scientist and legal counsel within the group.

In the beloved soap opera, “The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon“, which Murderbot adores, you’ll recognize some familiar faces. The Marvel Cinematic Universe regular and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. alum, Clark Gregg, along with the star of “Harold & Kumar“, John Cho, are part of the series’ cast. In an interview with Empire magazine in April 2025, Alexander Skarsgård found Murderbot to be “more relatable than most characters I’ve portrayed”. Despite having a detached perspective on life and often finding humans “disgusting”, Skarsgård explained that the android eventually:

* develops a connection or understanding with humans
* grows to empathize with humans
* begins to see humans in a different, more positive light
* becomes less critical and judgmental of humans

…”This alien world finds our protagonist with a peculiar band of humans who exist beyond corporate control, and they don’t support bonded labor. Instead, they engage in conversation with Murderbot and invite it to join them, rather than treating it like an inanimate tool as other clients have done. This behavior startles Murderbot.

Murderbot is scheduled to premiere on May 16, 2025, on Apple TV+

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2025-05-04 01:03