Skarsgaard Discusses How True Blood's Role Paved the Way for His Murderbot performance
In the realm of science fiction, a new series has emerged that promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of humour, action, and emotional depth. Murderbot, created by Chris and Paul Weitz, is a fresh addition to Apple TV+'s lineup, featuring Alexander Skarsgård as the voice of the titular character.
The character of Murderbot is inspired by Martha Wells' acclaimed science fiction novel series, The Murderbot Diaries. Murderbot is an overridden security android, grappling with human emotions and social interactions while seeking solitude. Known for its dry wit, sarcasm, and emotional complexity, the character often prefers to blend into the background, watching soap operas and avoiding human contact, yet finds itself repeatedly drawn into protecting humans.
Skarsgård's performance as Murderbot is a masterclass in dry, mildly depressed tones and sardonic humour, reminiscent of Alan Rickman's Marvin from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, but with less hopelessness. The series stays faithful to the original tone of the books while making it accessible for television.
The first season follows Murderbot as it unlocks its potential, discovering its identity beyond its programming, which includes protecting its human crew by lethal means if necessary. The show has received critical acclaim and has been renewed for a second season that promises further exploration of Murderbot’s story across more novels in the series.
In contrast to his role as the vampire Eric Northman in HBO's True Blood, Skarsgård's Murderbot is an artificial intelligence struggling with questions of autonomy, identity, and emotion. Eric Northman embodied classic charismatic power and dark allure, while Murderbot represents a nuanced, introspective, and reluctant hero archetype with dry humour rather than overt charm.
Skarsgård recently made a cameo reprising the role of Eric on "What We Do in the Shadows' final season". Murderbot's premiere date is set for May 16, making it a must-watch for fans of Skarsgård and science fiction alike. For those eager to catch up on the latest releases from the Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who universes, io9 is the go-to destination.
Murderbot, the new series on Apple TV+, draws inspiration from Martha Wells' acclaimed science fiction novels, The Murderbot Diaries. The character, an overridden security android voiced by Alexander Skarsgård, is noted for its dry wit, sarcasm, and emotional complexity, which is reminiscent of Alan Rickman's Marvin from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
In the second season of Murderbot, Skarsgård's character will continue its exploration of autonomy, identity, and emotion, contrasting markedly with his previous role as the vampire Eric Northman in HBO's True Blood.
Fans of science fiction and Alexander Skarsgård can watch Murderbot on May 16. For those interested in keeping up with the latest releases from various entertainment universes, including Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who, io9 is the recommended destination.
