In 2013 and 2014, a TV series called Utopia aired on Channel 4. The show, created by Dennis Kelly, focused on a group of ordinary people who, by a shared fascination with a cult graphic novel, became sucked into a larger conspiracy with ramifications for all life on Earth. It was a gorgeous, brutal series, and so striking that HBO had initially planned to create an American remake in 2014. For better or worse, an American remake is finally here, courtesy of Amazon and Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn.
As part of the virtual San Diego Comic-Con panel, a trailer was released, offering viewers a first look at the show. The upcoming remake shares many of the same characters — Jessica Hyde, played by Fiona O’Shaughnessy in the original series, will be played by Sasha Lane in the new series, with Dan Byrd taking on Nathan Stewart-Jarrett’s role — down to costume details such as a windbreaker for Arby, but also adds some new faces to the mix. John Cusack’s character, Dr. Kevin Christie, is unique to the American remake, described by Flynn as a “billionaire-turned-celebrity.”
The series is tentatively set to premiere this fall, which gives any interested parties just enough time to check out the original series, which remains one of the best TV shows ever made.