The new series is set to delve into “the next chapter” of where the original film ended, and is set to be directed by Star Trek alumnus Alex Kurtzman, with Jenny Lumet to act as writer and producer for the project. If you’re familiar with the original cult classic (which was based on Walter Tevis’ 1963 novel itself), you’ll know that Bowie himself portrayed an alien figure who crash lands on Earth and goes through all kinds of surreal and gross ordeals – so classic Bowie really.
In an interview with Variety, Kurtzman has claimed that he plans to base the show around an extraterrestrial who lands upon Earth amidst a major turning point within the evolution of mankind, saying that “Some strings will connect to both the novel and the film, but if you haven’t seen the film or haven’t read the novel, it’s fine. You’ll have an experience that’s entirely singular.”
Kurtzman also claims he won’t be rushing The Man Who Fell To Earth to cash in on Bowie’s legacy and that he doesn’t intend to replicate Bowie’s own performance at all, stating that “It’s the story of an alien who travels the world to understand who we are as a species. Just from a pure production point of view, that’s not something we want to rush… This is something that needs to be done right which means it doesn’t need to be done fast.”
As cool as it sounds, The Man Who Fell To Earth is still in its pre-production and is unlikely to hit screens until late 2020 / early 2021, so you’ll have to hold on for a hot minute with this one. Still though – we’re pretty damn keen!
Read more about the upcoming series here.