Alexander Skarsgard Finds Kinship with the Quirky Cyborg in 'Murderbot'
In an unexpected yet delightful fusion of science fiction and comedy, Alexander Skarsgard uncovers a deeper connection with his character in the upcoming Apple TV+ series, Murderbot. Known for his memorable roles in Succession, Big Little Lies, and True Blood, Skarsgard shares how he resonates with the socially awkward aspects of his character, a partly organic cyborg.
A Cyborg with a Human Touch
In Murderbot, Skarsgard portrays a character who seems far removed from his previous roles — a cyborg struggling with social interactions. “The socially awkward aspects of Murderbot’s personality I found quite relatable,” Skarsgard reveals, noting how the character constantly tries, yet hesitates to engage with the humans it is obligated to protect.
Beyond the Cyborg Facade
The series’ premise kicks off with Murderbot discovering autonomy after overriding its “obey” functions. Left to its own devices, Murderbot dreams of grand adventures but often finds itself procrastinating, indulging in endless marathons of its favorite series, The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon.
The humor and tension arise as Murderbot reluctantly steps into an adventure while grappling with well-meaning but intrusive human companions.
Challenges in Portraying a Non-Human Character
Finding the balance between the character’s robotic exterior and its inner turmoil presented a unique challenge for Skarsgard. “We wanted the expression to be kept to a minimum,” Skarsgard stated, explaining the artistic contrast between Murderbot’s monotone voice and its vivid inner monologue. Despite the constraints of a warm, constraining suit, Skarsgard delivers a compelling performance, capturing Murderbot’s curious charm.
Backed by an All-Star Cast
Adding to the series’ appeal is a talented ensemble cast, including Sabrina Wu, Jack McBrayer, Clark Gregg, John Cho, and DeWanda Wise. Helmed by directors Chris and Paul Weitz and based on the acclaimed novels by Martha Wells, Murderbot promises to be a unique blend of storytelling that intrigues and entertains.
As the series heads toward its release, audiences are eager to see how Skarsgard’s embodiment of this quirky cyborg unfolds on screen. According to upi, Murderbot is set to explore not just futuristic adventures but the timeless human themes of self-discovery and connection.
Prepare to embark on a journey where a cyborg can surprise us all with its humanity, streaming May 16 on Apple TV+.
