Skip to main content

Netflix's 'Lost in Space' reboot finds its villainous Dr. Smith in Parker Posey

lost in space reboot parker posey flickr
Arnold Gatilao/Flickr
Expect to see an iconic villain to look very different when Netflix’s Lost in Space remake premieres in 2018. The role of Dr. Smith has been gender-swapped and an actress will take over the part played by Jonathan Harris in the 1965 sci-fi series of the same name. Parker Posey is set to fill the role, reports Deadline.

Like the original, Netflix’s Lost in Space will center on the Robinson family as they find themselves stranded in space and dealing with dangerous threats, a new environment, and their own personal issues. As Dr. Smith, Posey will likely be up to no good. Harris’ version of the character was known for double-dealing, attempts at sabotage, and dropping harsh quips.

Dr. Smith has appeared in multiple Lost in Space successors since CBS canceled the original. In fact, Harris voiced an animated version of the character in a 1970s cartoon spinoff that failed to take off and Gary Oldman later played the villain in the 1998 film adaptation of the series. This will be the first time we will see the character as a woman, so we’re excited to see what other surprises the Netflix series has in store.

It is still unclear how closely the Netflix version of Lost in Space will follow the original, but we expect Posey to bring her own spin to the character. The actress has proven versatile over the years and her long resume includes roles such as You’ve Got Mail, Superman Returns, and Café Society, among many others. She has big shoes to fill, though; Harris managed to turn what was supposed to be a temporary character into a long-standing one with his portrayal.

Posey’s co-stars will include House of Cards star Molly Parker, Black Sails‘ Toby Stephens, Taylor Russell, and Maxwell Jenkins as members of the Robinson family. The series is being written by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless, and is set to debut on Netflix with 10 one-hour episodes in 2018.

Stephanie Topacio Long
Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…
3 underrated (HBO) Max movies you should watch this weekend (June 28-30)
A girl looks at a boy in House at the End of the Street.

June is surprisingly over, and with it, a great month for movies comes to a satisfactory close. You've probably watched Inside Out 2 or Bad Boys: Ride or Die or maybe even The Bikeriders. From blockbusters to indie fare, the theatrical movie business has been robust and healthy.

The same goes for streaming. Netflix had a big hit with Richard Linklater's Hit Man, while Amazon Prime Video recently premiered the latest bonkers season of The Boys. HBO and Max have been quieter, but their robust library speaks volumes to the streamer's high quality. The following three films are older, but are just as worth your time as new hits like House of the Dragon season 2.
The Skin I Live In (2011)

Read more
3 underrated Amazon Prime Video movies you should watch this weekend (June 28-30)
Two men spy from a car in The Limey.

As we head toward the end of June, it's worth reflecting on how we want to spend the rest of summer. For some, that's going to mean enjoying nice weather or getting some time in at the beach. For others, it might mean escaping from the heat, at least for a while, to check out a great movie.

If you fall into that second category, then we've pulled together a list of three great, underrated, titles available on Amazon Prime Video that are all worth checking out. Prime Video is home to some of the best movies available online, but it can be hard to find the ones you want. These three will at least give you a great place to start.
The Limey (1999)
The Limey | 4K Restoration Trailer | Plays Dec. 19

Read more
The best Netflix original series right now
Eric and Benedict Cumberbatch in Eric.

The era of Peak TV was also Peak Netflix, because the streamer seemingly had an endless supply of new original series. So far in 2024, that hasn't been the case. Whether we'll ever get the same level of content again seems unlikely for now. But even in a reduced capacity, Netflix still has a few new additions to its lineup of originals.

For the month of June, we're adding the '80s-set thriller, Eric, which stars Benedict Cumbebatch. Our other pick for the month is Supacell, which is Netflix's new British series that remixes some old superhero archetypes. That's not a very big selection for fans who always want something new, but this roundup of the best Netflix original series really does have all of the top options in one place for you. All you have to do is scroll down and make time to binge watch some shows.

Read more