Apple TV+'s "Murderbot" New York Premiere NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 28: Apple TV+'s "Murderbot" premiere at Regal Union Square on April 28, 2025 in New York City

"Murderbot" premiere Alexander Skarsgård — Alexander Skarsgård attends Apple TV+'s "Murderbot" premiere

Alexander Skarsgård stars as the titular character in Murderbot,

Alexander Skarsgård stars as the titular character in Murderbot, an upcoming sci-fi series premiering on Apple TV+ on May 16, 2025. Based on Martha Wells' acclaimed The Murderbot Diaries, the show follows a self-aware security android who, despite its violent designation, prefers to watch soap operas rather than engage in combat. Skarsgård portrays Murderbot as it navigates its newfound autonomy while protecting a group of scientists on a distant planet.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 28: David Dastmalchian attends Apple TV+'s "Murderbot" premiere at Regal Union Square on April 28, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Zion Yoni Levy/Tals Studio)

The series is a collaboration between Academy Award nominees Chris and Paul Weitz, who serve as writers, directors, and executive producers. Skarsgård also serves as an executive producer. The ensemble cast includes Noma Dumezweni, David Dastmalchian, Sabrina Wu, Akshay Khanna, Tattiawna Jones, and Tamara Podemski. The show is set to release its first two episodes on May 16, with subsequent episodes airing weekly through July 11, 2025

"Murderbot" New York Premiere

"Murderbot" New York Premiere Apple TV+'s "Murderbot" New York Premiere

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 28: Noma Dumezweni attends Apple TV+'s "Murderbot" premiere at Regal Union Square on April 28, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Zion Yoni Levy/Tal Studio)

"Murderbot" New York PremiereIn interviews, Skarsgård has expressed a deep connection to the character, noting that Murderbot's social awkwardness and outsider perspective resonate with him. He describes the role as "more relatable than most characters I've ever played," highlighting the character's blend of humor, vulnerability, and detachment.

For fans eager to delve into the source material, all novels in The Murderbot Diaries are currently available at a significant discount through Amazon, with hardcover editions marked down by 40% to 45%. This sale coincides with the upcoming premiere of the Apple TV+ adaptation, offering an affordable way to explore or revisit the books.

Murderbot promises to be a unique blend of sci-fi, comedy, and introspection, offering a fresh take on the genre. With Skarsgård's compelling performance and the creative direction of the Weitz brothers, the series is poised to captivate audiences when it debuts this May