Apple TV+has been adding plenty of sci-fi shows toits original lineup, be itInvasion,Severance, orThe Big Door Prize. But a new series is coming to the streaming service that captures the wild imaginations surrounding time travel, alternate worlds/timelines, and quantum physics. This show isDark Matterand is currently slated to release in 2023.
Here, we will go over why people should begin anticipating this exciting new show, breaking down aspects of the source material, the location of the production, and the actors involved, among other elements.
Based on a Well-Received Novel
Dark Matteris set to be another hit series based on literature. Blake Crouch would write a tale of a former quantum mechanics physicist unwillingly sent into an alternate timeline where his entire life is different. Discovering he’s swapped places with an alternate of himself, Jason must work to return to his wife and child and save them from the influence of his alternate.
Critics of the book would describe it as the equivalent of an action-packed thriller film, where at times, the action would outpace the plot, leaving readers on the edge of their seats but still with plenty of questions. A series following this narrative could see a maturation over time, with either extended episodes or a second season lending more time for characters to develop.
Blake Crouch Maintained as Showrunner
One of the better pieces of news to come out alongside the announcement of the adaptation is that thesource material’s author, Blake Crouch, would be brought on as a writer and overhead showrunner for the series. Crouch would be the lead writer for five of the nine episodes currently slated for the first season, including the first four episodes.
Some of the most fantastic film and TV projects adapted from literature come when the author is participating in the production, such asJurassic Park(1993),Gone Girl(2014), andThe Godfather(1972). Crouch will be joined by Megan McDonnell (known for work onWandaVision), Jacquelyn Ben-Zekry, and Ihuoma Ofordire in the writer’s room.
Related:Wayward Pines: Why the Mystery Book Series Needs a Proper Movie Adaptation Trilogy
Exciting Takes on Multiple Realities
Theconcept of the multiverseis a fresh topic in cinema, with the recent success of its implementation in the superhero genre. Films likeSpider-Man: No Way Home(2021),Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness(2022), andSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse(2023) have whetted audience’s appetites for alternate realities, but now a more casual television audience can be exposed through Dark Matter.
The rules are a bit different in Dark Matter, seeing as the rules of the world are set in a science fiction take on quantum physics, with an example being that every time Jason makes a decision, he creates an alternate reality where the opposite decision is made. While some have criticized the rules of the series, it hasn’t detracted from the fun and action.
Filmed in The Windy City
The filming was done in Chicago, Illinois, another reason for audiences to get excited. The list of film and TV projects to come from Chi-town is long and full of successes. In the past few years, Chicago sawprojects such asThe Bear,The Batman(2022), and theChicagofranchise (Fire,PD, &Med).
With such stellar projects, it’s easy to see why audiences should be excited, seeing as Chicago provides a perfect backdrop to give films and television shows a major city for their events to take place in, featuring large cityscapes and the beautiful architecture that is associated with such a large city.
Joel Edgerton Takes the Lead
Now we will look at the casting behind the series, starting with our lead actor,Joel Edgerton. Taking on the role of Jason Dessen, Joel will have his limits tested as he’ll have to play multiple versions of the same character. While he will primarily be playing Jason 1 and Jason 2, there are possibilities for multiple Jasons to appear as Jason 1 attempts to return to his home timeline.
Edgerton has an impressive resume heading into this series. While his most recent performance is his reprise asOwen Lars inObi-Wan Kenobi, Edgerton has also appeared in hit series likeThe Underground Railroad,Dirt Game, andDangerous. Edgerton has also worked extensively on film in projects such asMaster Gardener(2022),The Green Knight(2021), andZero Dark Thirty(2012).
Related:Joel Edgerton Shares How Director Paul Schrader ‘Almost Died’ While Working on Master Gardener
Jennifer Connelly Returns to Sci-Fi TV
When Jason’s wife, Daniela, hits the screen, audiences will be quick to rememberJennifer Connelly’s face. Connelly has plenty of experience in the sci-fi genre, having most recently worked on theunfortunately canceled seriesSnowpiercer. Portraying Melanie Cavill, Connelly had impressively conveyed a sense of confidence and authority layered upon the reality that Cavill had been hiding a dark truth.
Connelly has also had experience in science fiction films, with appearances inAlita: Battle Angel(2019),Spider-Man: Homecoming(2017), and9(2009) to her credit. While all these roles were voice performances, they only ensured Connelly had perfected her craft in body language and vocal inflection. These traits will be necessary for a series that could visit multiple timelines.
