On April 28, the cast and creative team of Apple TV+’s new sci-fi comedic thriller Murderbot celebrated the show’s world premire in New York City. Attendees included Emmy-winning Alexander Skarsgård, who plays the series’ titular character, and the show’s Academy Award-nominated directors, brothers Chris and Paul Weitz.
Based on the popular book series “The Murderbot Diaries” by Martha Wells, the show tells the story of a security construct that gains consciousness. This construct, which names itself Murderbot, is forced to accompany a scientific research team, known as the Preservation Aux Survey team, on a dangerous mission and hide its free will. The hilarious and emotional series follows this mission, as Murderbot navigates his social anxiety and hatred of human emotion while collaborating with members of Preservation Aux.
The project marks a milestone for the Weitz brothers, who haven’t worked on a project together since they directed and wrote the critically acclaimed 2002 film About a Boy. Paul Weitz told The Knockturnal that he and his brother spent the last 20 years working on their own projects until the pair “fell in love” with “The Murderbot Diaries.” According to Chris Weitz, their shared interest in the story provided the perfect opportunity to work together again.
New York, New York – 4/28/25 – (L-R) Andrew Miano, Paul Weitz, Alexander Skarsgård, Chris Weitz, Keith Levine and David S. Goyer (Exec Producers) attends the Global Premiere of the Apple TV+ sci-fi comedic thriller series “Murderbot” at the Regal Union Square. “Murderbot” is available to stream globally on Apple TV+ on May 16, 2025
– PHOTO by: Marion Curtis / Starpix for Apple TV+
– Location: Regal Union Square
The pair especially resonated with the messages of humanity in the novel.
“I was really into the idea that you can’t reduce what a person is — I think that message applies to various things happening in society,” Paul Weitz said. “The ending of the book and the series is a beautiful commentary on that.”
Actress Tamara Podemski, who plays empathetic geoscientist Bharadaj, was moved by the story’s themes as well. Podemski told The Knockturnal that while reading the series, she immediately connected with her character’s empathy and desire to understand others. Although she didn’t realize while filming, she said, the messages in the series happen to be very relevant in today’s political climate.
“I think people need a show like this, and I think it will help people get through this really politically complicated time.” Podemski said. “At the end of the day, we want people to feel the heart, the joy and the optimism of the series.”
New York, New York – 4/28/25 – Alexander Skarsgård attends the Global Premiere of the Apple TV+ sci-fi comedic thriller series “Murderbot” at the Regal Union Square. “Murderbot” is available to stream globally on Apple TV+ on May 16, 2025
-PICTURED: Alexander Skarsgård
– PHOTO by: Marion Curtis / Starpix for Apple TV+
– Location: Regal Union Square
New York, New York – 4/28/25 – Tattiawna Jones and Tamara Podemski attends the Global Premiere of the Apple TV+ sci-fi comedic thriller series “Murderbot” at the Regal Union Square. “Murderbot” is available to stream globally on Apple TV+ on May 16, 2025
-PICTURED: Tattiawna Jones and Tamara Podemski
– PHOTO by: Marion Curtis / Starpix for Apple TV+
– Location: Regal Union Square
In the show, Bharadaj, among other characters, try to understand how Murderbot’s mind works. The multifaceted cyborg is an incredibly complicated character, but Skarsgård took on the challenging role with excitement and curiosity. He told The Knockturnal that he deeply enjoyed playing the role.
“[Murderbot] felt like such a unique character — the character is so idiosyncratic but didn’t feel derivative in a way,” Skarsgård said. “I just fell in love with Murderbot.”
Murderbot premieres globally on Apple TV+ Friday, May 16, 2025.