Photo Source: Seriesonday.com
Thursday afternoon, SYFY kicked off San Diego Comic Con with one of the most highly anticipated shows arriving in 2018, “Nightflyers”. Based on the novella by George R. R. Martin, the adaptation has been described by Martin himself as “Psycho in Space”. SYFY even debuted a never before seen trailer for the upcoming thriller!
The series follows a team of scientists in 2093, who have been tasked with traveling further out in space than ever before to save a dying, starving Earth. Anyone who is familiar with Martin’s work, knows that no one is safe in this “Kubrick-esk” SYFY thriller. Actor Angus Sampson (Shut Eye), who will play Rowan in the series, stated that during every week of the 5-month shoot in Ireland the cast was saying goodbye to someone.
Photo Source: HollywoodReporter.com
One of the most interesting things about the adaptation came when Martin himself became involved with casting character, Melantha Jhirl. Over 30 years ago, when Nighflyers was first released, Martin cast the lead character on the cover as a strong, black female lead. However, his publishers at the time warned him that if he wanted his book to sell, he needed to have a white woman on the cover. Martin has since stated it has been one of his biggest regrets. When he found out SYFY was creating the series based upon his book, he took to the phone and called the shows producers.
“Look. This is your project. I’m not going to look over your shoulder, give you story notes or script notes or anything like that, but dammit, I want Mel to be cast as a black actress.”
-George R. R. Martin
Photo Source: Bookstr.com
The Nightflyers cast attended the panel and did not disappoint. The all-star cast, including Jodie Turner-Smith, Eoin Macken, Angus Sampson and so many more, will breath life into the show. If you are a fan of SYFY meets The Shining, make sure to get ready for Nightflyers, coming this fall!
