'The Man Who Fell To Earth': Release date, plot, cast and everything you need to know about TV adaptation of sci-fi cult classic

Writer and producer Alex Kurtzman is all set to develop a TV adaptation of Walter Tevis' sci-fi novel 'The Man Who Fell to Earth' for CBS All Access

Already busy with 'Star Trek: Lower Decks' and 'Star Trek: Discovery', writer and producer Alex Kurtzman is all set to develop a TV adaptation of Walter Tevis' sci-fi novel 'The Man Who Fell to Earth' for CBS All Access. The book was earlier adapted into a 1976 sci-fi classic film starring David Bowie directed by director Nicolas Roeg.

Reportedly, the series will be a continuation of the plot and not necessarily a reboot. According to Kurtzman and writer Jenny Lumet, the series will explore “the next chapter” of the story from the book and the movie. 

Announcing the sci-fi classic adaptation, CBS TV Studios tweeted, "@CBSAllAccess would like to welcome #TheManWhoFellToEarth to its slate of original series! This story will follow an alien who arrives on Earth at a turning point in human evolution and must confront his own past to determine our future."

Release date

There is no official confirmation on the release date of the CBS All Access show. Watch this space for more latest updates.

Plot

According to a CBS press statement, the plot of the show will "follow an alien who arrives on Earth at a turning point in human evolution and must confront his own past to determine our future."

"Walter Tevis' visionary novel gave us a Tech God Willy Wonka from another planet, brought to life by David Bowie's legendary performance, that foretold Steve Jobs' and Elon Musk's impact on our world," both Kurtzman and Lumet said in a joint statement, adding, "The series will imagine the next step in our evolution, seen through the eyes of an alien who must learn what it means to become human, even as he fights for the survival of his species."

Cast

In the film adaptation, Bowie played the role of tragic hero Thomas Jerome Newton. His role was based on a humanoid alien who comes to Earth to retrieve water for his drought-stricken home planet. As of now, there is not much information about the actors starring in the series yet.

“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,” Kurtzman told Variety. “You’ll get to have an experience that’s entirely singular. If you have, you’ll have the benefit of understanding the history of the world that both of those things set up.”

Director/Writer

Showrunner/ Executive Producer Alex Kurtzman attends the "Star Trek: Discovery" Season 2 Premiere at the Conrad New York on January 17, 2019 in New York City. (Getty Images)

According to Deadline, Alex Kurtzman is the creator of the new series. He is best known for executive producing the 'Star Trek; franchise since 2009 and co-writing the scripts of 'Transformers'. He will be working with fellow 'Star Trek: Discovery' writer Jenny Lumet to pen down episodes for the series.

Rola Bauer, Tim Halkin, Sarah Timberman, Carl Beverly, and Heather Kadin will serve as executive producers with Aaron Baiers serving as co-executive producer. The series will be co-produced by CBS Television Studios and Tandem Productions, a StudioCanal Company, in association with Secret Hideout and Timberman/Beverly.

Where to watch  

The show is being helmed for CBS All Access. However, there is no official release date announced yet.

If you like this, you'll love this

'Star Trek'

'Transformers'

'Stranger Things'

'Doctor Who'

'Black Mirror'

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

‘Dutton Ranch’ Season 1 ended with Carter’s abduction, setting up a high-stakes return for Beth and Rip in Season 2.
4 hours ago
The final chapter of the Buendía family saga will arrive through a split August rollout and special screenings in Colombia.
9 hours ago
Production on ‘God of War’ was unexpectedly paused after the lead cast member sustained an injury while filming a stunt
15 hours ago
Chloe Fineman's heartfelt message explains why she's leaving ‘SNL’ after Season 51
16 hours ago
Disney+ has selected 11 young performers for 'The Mickey Mouse Club' reboot, with production set to begin in Los Angeles.
1 day ago
Season 4 ended with a shocking turn of events that left Maggie’s future at the Crossing uncertain, and now we finally have an update on Season 5.
1 day ago
'The Hawk' Season 1 finale leaves Lonnie Hawkins at a crossroads, hinting at new challenges and a possible path forward that could reshape his future.
1 day ago
Several A-listers join the cast of Channel 4 thriller drama named 'Army of Shadows,' however, one key detail still remains missing.
1 day ago
The trailer of the four-part finale features Alex meeting two OG characters in her new reality
1 day ago
Finished the first two episodes of ‘Lucky’? Here’s where Apple TV+’s new thriller transformed Long Beach into the backdrop for its story.
1 day ago