Zoë in Showtime's The Man Who Fell to Earth

25 May 2022 16:59

After performing the multiverse play Constellations in London's West End last summer, Zoë worked on another show that takes life, the universe and everything as its ambitious subject matter: The Man Who Fell to Earth. Watt, her character in this new TV sci-fi series, debuts in episode five, 'Moonage Daydream'.

The episode will be available to stream in the US on Showtime on 29 May. For now, enjoy this fast-paced trailer featuring Watt. It's refreshing to see a sci-fi show in which the characters' hair, make-up and costumes are uncomplicated - Zoë looks like Zoë here!

Sequel to the classic David Bowie film

As you've probably guessed, The Man Who Fell to Earth has a David Bowie connection. It's a continuation of the classic 1976 film of the same name; Newton, the alien portrayed by Bowie in that film, is played by Bill Nighy on TV. (There's another link too: Zoë and David Bowie memorably acted together in a 1982 BBC production of Baal, the unsettling Brecht play.)

The central character in Showtime's series is Faraday (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor), an alien who's journeyed to Earth from the same troubled planet as Newton, Anthea. Like Newton before him, Faraday is on a mission to save Anthea and believes the solution could be found here.

In episode five, Faraday is struggling to decipher Newton's blueprint for a vital machine. Judging by the trailer, Watt seems to know more than she's letting on, doesn't she? (My perceptive friend and fellow fan, Karoline, thinks there may be a hidden connection between Faraday, Newton and Watt, as they share their names with three of history's most influential scientists.)

Coming to the UK this summer

Right now, it's not possible for viewers here in the UK to watch The Man Who Fell to Earth, so I can't tell you a great deal more about it yet. However, the Paramount+ streaming service is due launch in the UK on 22 June with the series as part of its line-up. Hooray!

Thanks to Karoline for her help. Photo source: Seat42F

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