Given David Bowie was almost certainly a gift from another planet, his role in Nicolas Roeg’s The Man Who Fell To Earth was a perfect fit. Now, over 40 years later, fans of the film can rejoice as a follow-up TV series is on the way.
Although Bowie won’t star in the show (for obvious reasons), it will reportedly explore “the next chapter” of the story, following on from Walter Tevis’ 1963 novel and the 1976 cult film. At the helm are writers and producers Alex Kurtzman (Star Trek) and Jenny Lumet, with Kurtzman also set to direct.
The show will focus on an alien who lands on earth at a turning point for human evolution. “Some strings will connect to both the novel and the film,” Kurtzman told Variety, “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.”
Fans will be keen to see how the protagonist will follow in Bowie’s footsteps. Though Lumet has said the series won’t try to “duplicate or even chase” the Starman’s performance, instead exploring what the character would choose to look like in today’s world.
Originally in development at Hulu, CBS has taken over the rights after Hulu didn’t want to move forward with production. Writing will begin in September, with Kurtzman hoping the series will air by the end of 2020.
There’s no news about casting just yet, but given his recent trip to Area 51, could I suggest Lil Nas X?