Apple TV+ has announced a robust cast for the upcoming second season of its science fiction series, Murderbot. The show, adapted from Martha Wells' popular Murderbot Diaries series, will see a host of new and familiar faces join the production.
Season two of Murderbot is set to include Blair Underwood, Brendan Hunt, Bridget Everett, Britne Oldford, Damian Young, Divian Ladwa, Ella Jay Basco, Etienne Beydon, Griffin Newman, Jaedynn Latter, Jason George, Kali Reis, Katy O’Brian, Maddy Strauss, Marc Menchaca, Martha Plimpton, Meredith Salenger, Michael Sheen, Nia Otchere-Sarfo, Nicholas Braun, Patton Oswalt, Steve Buscemi, Topher Grace, Tramell Tillman, and Wanda Sykes.
The series follows a security cyborg, Murderbot, who has gained sentience and prefers to spend its time watching media rather than engaging with its own complex existence. Despite its desires, Murderbot often finds itself protecting its human clients. The first season, which featured Alexander Skarsgård as Murderbot, was lauded for its blend of humor, action, and thematic critiques of capitalism, along with its exploration of found family dynamics.
Speculation about the new cast members' roles includes Tramell Tillman potentially portraying a corporate antagonist, a role he is known for from his performance in Severance. Katy O’Brian might be cast as a rival security bot. The inclusion of numerous comedic actors suggests Murderbot may have more interactions with a new group of humans it struggles to remain detached from.
A point of particular interest for fans is the casting for ART (Asshole Research Transport), Murderbot's sentient and sardonic ship AI and closest companion. Potential candidates for voicing ART include Patton Oswalt and Steve Buscemi, though the possibility of a surprise female voice, such as Wanda Sykes, has also been raised.
While a firm release date for Murderbot season two has not yet been announced, the casting reveals suggest production is moving forward, with a potential release in 2027.