An adaptation of a revolutionary science-fiction book previously considered “unfilmable” finally has a teaser trailer, promising fans “the next chapter”.
Apple TV’s Neuromancer is based on the 1984 cyberpunk classic by author William Gibson. Set in a near-future dystopia, the story follows a computer hacker enlisted into a crew by a powerful artificial intelligence and a traumatised former soldier to complete a high-stakes heist.
Ten episodes were ordered in February 2024 from showrunner Graham Roland, whose previous credits include cult hits Lost and Fringe, and director JD Dillard.
The complex nature of the experimental novel, which often confounds new readers, has led many to believe an adaptation would have been too challenging to pull off. But for those wondering if Gibson had approved it: the 78-year-old writer is on hand as executive producer and creative consultant.
There’ll be more eyes on Neuromancer than ever before, thanks to the casting of Callum Turner, an actor whose profile has risen considerably in the last year. Turner recently married pop star Dua Lipa and is a hotly tipped contender to become the new James Bond.
He leads the series as computer hacker Case alongside rising star Briana Middleton, Mark Strong, Clémence Poésy, Peter Sarsgaard and Dane DeHaan.
The teaser trailer doesn’t give much away, but it sets up the vibe of the ready-made cult hit. It shows a computer monitor emblazoned with the opening words of the novel: “The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel.”
The trailer’s description enigmatically states: “42 years ago, William Gibson introduced the world to Neuromancer. Now, the next chapter is loading.”
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This could mean that the series will be going beyond the pages of Gibson’s source material, which is part of the Stream trilogy. However, the plot description remains loyal to the book: “A hacker and an assassin are thrust into a web of high-stakes crime as they take aim at a corporate dynasty.”
Should the show become a success for the streamer, the other two novels in the series – Count Zero and Mona Lisa Overdrive – could also be adapted.
