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Netflix picks up futuristic new series based on sci-fi novel Altered Carbon

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In what seems to have become a near-weekly occurrence, Netflix has picked up yet another new original program for a straight-to-series order — this time of the sci-fi variety. Called Altered Carbon, and based on the book of the same name, the futuristic new show will be written be Laeta Kalogridis, who is known for writing some pretty big screenplays, including Shutter Island and Terminator Genisys, reports Variety.

The story for the new series is set in the 25th Century and follows a bizarre, Black Mirror-style premise whereby human minds are now completely digital, allowing people to transfer their “souls” from one body to another. It sounds kind of like a futuristic version of reincarnation. The main character is Takeshi Kovacs, a former warrior who has been serving the past 500 years in prison, but has now been downloaded into a new body, and placed in this strange new world.

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But here’s the interesting part: there’s been a murder. Which is, of course, puzzling since the aforementioned premise would suggest that death is virtually impossible. Kovacs, naturally, must try to solve the crime in order to resume life on earth. The novel was written by Richard K. Morgan, and released in 2002.

In addition to writing the screenplay for the 10-episode first series, Kalogridis will take on an even larger role, serving as executive producer and showrunner, as well. Also serving as executive producers are David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Marcy Ross. All four are from Skydance Television.

Altered Carbon, which has yet to receive a specific release date on the streaming site, is the latest in what is poised to be a long string of original series for Netflix in 2016. And there’s no signs of slowing down. The company confirmed at the Television Critics Association press tour this weekend that it will spend upwards of $6 billion on content in 2016, and is expected to release as much as 600 hours of originals this year.

Netflix has already enjoyed success in the sci-fi genre with other original series including Sense8, which has been renewed for a second season, and the aforementioned Black Mirror, a BBC-produced sic-fi series for which Netflix will be taking on duties to create new seasons. We’ll be following the progress for Altered Carbon as it approaches its premiere, so stay tuned.

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Christine Persaud
Christine Persaud
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