Observing Alexander Skarsgaard Morph into Murderbot Reveals the Staggering Complexity Involved for Certain Actors when Donning Costumes
Apple TV+ delves into the complex production of its newest anti-hero, Murderbot, with leading man Alexander Skarsgård donning a physically demanding suit for the role.
While CGI and motion-capture technology have made significant strides, a practical costume for actors on set remains a valuable asset. Remarkably, the 2025 TV schedule showed that the entirety of Murderbot's costume was worn by Skarsgård, according to recent reports.
A delightful behind-the-scenes video offers a detailed look at the rigorous 16.5-step process involved in transforming Skarsgård into the cyborg Murderbot. The process appears to demand a substantial amount of patience, dexterity, and flexibility, making one marvel at the candor of the actors who undertake such rigorous demands.
Skarsgård himself seems intrigued by the experience, although the process admittedly appears grueling. The metamorphosis seen in the video leaves some wondering about the character's CGI versus practical effects. Several scenes, such as those involving the helmet and the space centipede, raise questions about the extent of Skarsgård’s physical involvement.
The driver of this curiosity leads to an intriguing exploration of when the computer-generated imagery (CGI) kicks in and when practical effects are deployed. Fans of Skarsgård's past projects like "True Blood" and his collaboration with Jack McBrayer at Sundance 2023 may be interested in speculating about how these experiences influenced his casting in the much-anticipated series.
The four episodes already released have been met with favorable reviews, praising the show's "eye-popping special effects" and "slick" visuals [1][2][3]. As the series continues to unfold, viewers may find themselves scrutinizing the blend of practical and digital effects, eager to see the magical mix that brought Murderbot to life.
Sources:[1] The Verge - Murderbot Diaries: a love story in a sci-fi dystopia, https://www.theverge.com/25453698/murderbot-diaries-book-tv-series-apple-apple-tv-plus-review[2] TechCrunch - Murderbot Diaries review: a love story told through tech, https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/10/murderbot-diaries-review-love-story-told-through-sci-fi-tech/[3] Collider - Murderbot Diaries: ‘Little Extra Ordinary’ Star Alexander Skarsgård Talks Playing an Affable Cybernetic Soldier, https://collider.com/murderbot-diaries-alexander-skarsgard-interview/
The behind-the-scenes video on Apple TV+'s Murderbot Diaries showcases the meticulous 16.5-step process that transforms actor Alexander Skarsgård into the titular character, featuring an intriguing mix of practical effects and CGI. In the entertainment segment, daily blend of interviews and features on the series may delve into Skarsgård's past projects and how they might have influenced his performance in the groundbreaking sci-fi production, highlighting movies-and-TV collaborations such as True Blood and Sundance 2023.
