"The Terminator meets existential crisis": Fans react hilariously to first look at Alexander Skarsgård in ‘Murderbot’

Apple TV+ has dropped the first-look images of Alexander Skarsgård as Murderbot. For those who haven’t been following The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells, this upcoming series, is set to premiere on May 16, 2025. It brings the cherished book series to life with action, existential crisis, and dark comedy.

Sci-fi lovers, Skarsgård stans, and socially anxious introverts who relate a little too much to a rogue security droid just trying to binge-watch its shows in peace—everyone’s got something to say.

One X user put it aptly, saying:

"Sounds like The Terminator meets Existential Crisis."

This user just summed up the entire vibe in five words. One user declared:

"This is probably real life in the next few years"

Sounds less like a joke and more like a warning. In a mic-drop moment, a user stated:

"Why does it sound like me - just wanting to be left alone"

Bro didn’t expect to get personally called out by a sci-fi show. A user mentioned:

"I've never felt closer to the motivations of a robot."

At this point, the only difference is the metal exoskeleton. A user said:

"so he's a sardukar from Denis Villeneuve's dune?"

Elite killing machine with no peace of mind—seen it before.

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First look: A Murderbot mood board

The newly released images give fans a glimpse of Skarsgård as the perpetually exasperated, hoodie-wearing, sarcasm-dripping Murderbot. And if early reactions are anything to go by, Apple TV+ might just have nailed it.

The android’s expression looks like it could destroy everyone in the room but please don’t make it talk to anyone.

For those unfamiliar, The Murderbot Diaries has been racking up Hugo and Nebula awards. Wells' approach to mental health—specifically anxiety and depression—resonates with an audience that knows what it’s like to want autonomy but also not want to leave the house.

The TV adaptation is expected to maintain that emotional depth, while also making room for laser blasts and corporate espionage.

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What even is Murderbot?

It is a genderless security android, officially known as SecUnit, that has hacked its control module to gain free will. Instead of going full Skynet, it mostly just wants to be left alone to stream intergalactic soap operas.

Unfortunately for Murderbot, life and a megacorporation that still wants it to do its job, has other plans.

Between fending off actual threats and reluctantly dealing with humans, the protagonist is forced to confront the messiness of emotions, free will, and human connection.

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The brains behind the bots

Chris and Paul Weitz, the duo behind About a Boy and American Pie, are helming the project as writers, directors, and producers.

Wells herself is involved as an executive producer, which means the adaptation is in safe hands.

The series also boasts a stacked cast, featuring Noma Dumezweni, David Dastmalchian, Sabrina Wu, Akshay Khanna, Tattiawna Jones, and Tamara Podemski.

Production finally kicked off in March 2024 after those industry strikes put everything on pause. With ten episodes lined up, the first two will drop on May 16, followed by weekly releases every Friday until July 11.

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Skarsgård’s side quests

Skarsgård’s got a stacked schedule, and here’s what else he’s been up to:

Eric Larue: A drama where he plays the husband of Judy Greer’s character, Janice, dealing with the aftermath of a school shooting. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, but we’re still waiting on a theatrical release date.

Pillion: A queer romance film where Skarsgård plays Ray, a motorbike club leader who shakes up the life of Colin (played by Harry Melling). Currently in post-production.

The Pack: A psychological thriller set in Alaska, where he’s not only starring but also making his directorial debut. He’s acting alongside Florence Pugh.

The Tiger: Set in late-'90s Russia, this thriller has Skarsgård playing Vanzin, a man dealing with… a tiger. It’s based on John Vaillant’s book and is currently in pre-production.