Swedish star Alexander Skarsgård appears to have taken “commitment” to a whole new level while portraying the security cyborg in Apple TV+’s quirky sci-fi comedy, Murderbot. We’re talking about a serious case of waxing-induced regret, folks.
Based on the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning novels by Martha Wells—who, let’s be real, likely never expected a towering Swede to be embroiled in body hair debates—Murderbot casts Skarsgård as a ‘SecUnit’. Yes, that’s the long way of saying ‘glorified robot bodyguard with a penchant for procrastination’.
Murderbot at a Glance
What is it? A hilariously dark sci-fi series called Murderbot, creatively adapted from the The Murderbot Diaries novels that have captivated the literary awards scene.
Directed by: The filmmaking duo of Chris and Paul Weitz—an Oscar-nominated team with impressive credentials, yet evidently lacking the foresight to warn Skarsgård against absolute body waxing.
Starring: In addition to Skarsgård, we have David Dastmalchian and Noma Dumezweni, because why not throw more talented people into the mix?
When: Premiering on Apple TV+ starting May 16th, just in time for you to avoid your responsibilities and binge-watch.
Likely to make you feel: Slightly better about the fact that you’ve consumed a year’s supply of streaming content in just a week.
The Elasticity of Purpose
Now, this SecUnit isn’t your typical glorified toaster—it’s a blend of cloned human material and AI, built not for amusement but to protect its human charges, who, rather ironically, spend their time in space colonies protected by a cynical robot. Early in the series, we learn that SecUnit has a, let’s say, interesting physical setting, hinted at by a rather shocking first scene.
Skarsgård, reflecting from the back of a speeding car, described his decision to go ‘full wax’. “I thought it would be hilarious for Murderbot to look completely smooth,” he laughs. “It was like trying to hug a cactus, though!”
Filmed in Toronto—the city that doubles as an intergalactic mining colony—Murderbot flips the narrative by having its cyborg hero hack its own safety protocols. What’s more, it’s got a hit list for the scientific expedition it’s assigned to protect. Talk about a job performance review!
Human Connections and Streaming Addiction
But wait—the plot thickens! Instead of executing its original objective, Murderbot becomes addicted to binge-watching soap operas like a couch potato with a light saber. “I find it relatable,” Skarsgård remarks. “You set out to change the universe, but end up watching 12 hours of your favorite show.”
With Skarsgård delving into a comedic take on a robot fighting against its existential crisis, he’s finally shedding some of that ‘serious actor’ image. He describes his previous roles as “vicious criminals and brooding vampires—this is my chance to be somewhat… silly.”
Captivating Realities in Fictional Worlds
Wells participated in the writing process with the Weitz brothers, lending her expertise and ensuring that the adaptation would resonate with fans, even if they had a hard time getting over Skarsgård’s waxing mishap. “Martha was pivotal,” Chris Weitz states, wishing they hadn’t wasted three weeks on the cyborg’s internal monologues—it was too enticing to stop tinkering!
Paul Weitz adds a note of caution about the rising stir of AI, noting that their job security could soon depend on a very human-like robot entity. “Soon we might find ourselves competing for work with our own creations,” he quips—providing food for thought amid the comedic chaos.
Embracing the Mundane Amidst Irony
Ultimately, Murderbot redefines what it means to be a security cyborg in a wonderfully flawed, awkward, and relatable manner. Chris Weitz captures it beautifully: “In a world of fantastic elements, the mundane resonates deeply—people will always grapple with their own neuroses, whether they’re human or a hapless robot.”
Murderbot premieres its first two episodes on Apple TV+ on May 16, and should you be pondering existential crises while dodging the occasional streaming temptation, you’re in for a treat.
