Just one day after announcing a new limited drama with Michael Douglas as Benjamin Franklin comes word of another new series from streaming service Apple TV+, Metropolis. Inspired by the cult classic 1927 Fritz Lang science fiction work of the same name (which was based on Thea von Harbou’s 1925 novel), the setting in the original film was a dystopian futuristic world ruled by a wealthy elite and featuring individuals working incessantly underground.
From Universal Studio Group’s UCP, Metropolis will be written and directed in its entirety by Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot, Homecoming), who also serves as showrunner and executive producer (the latter with Chad Hamilton).
The Fritz Lang film followed the attempts of Freder, the wealthy son of the city master, and Maria, a saintly figure to the workers, as they attempted to overcome the vast gulf separating the classes in their city and bring the workers together with Joh Fredersen, the city master. Specific plot details for this updated version of Metropolis have not been released.
Metropolis is the latest project for Esmail, who in addition to executive producing upcoming Gaslit on Starz and The Resort on Peacock, is developing a Battlestar Galactica reboot for Peacock and is writing and directing Leave the World Behind for Netflix, which stars Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali and Ethan Hawke.
There is no confirmation on the number of episodes ordered for Metropolis.
