Summary
Apple TV+’sNeuromanceradaptation has landed its new co-lead. Based on William Gibson’s iconic 1984 cyberpunk novel, Apple TV+’s plans for a 10-episode live-action adaptation were first announced in February 2024. Despite previous rumors that Miles Teller was being considered for the leading role as the superhacker named Case,Masters of the Air’s Callum Turner would eventually be announced as the series lead in April 2024.
According toDeadline, Turner has now found his forthcomingco-star in the form of singer and actor Briana Middleton. Middleton, who previously starred alongside the likes of Sebastian Stan and Julianne Moore in the Apple TV+ thrillerSharper, will fill the role of Molly, a cybernetically enhanced “razor girl” with mirrored eyes. Previously, Middleton had also been cast as the lead in the scrappedMetropolisseries fromMr. Robotcreator Sam Esmail.
Brianna Middleton’s Molly Could Become One Of Sci-Fi’s Most Iconic Roles
William Gibson’s Molly Millions Is One Of His Most Exciting Characters
First introduced in the 1981 short story that formed the basis for the Keanu Reeves movieJohnny Mnemonic, Gibson’s Molly Millions has been described as one of his most complex and intriguing characters.
Cited as one of themost influential works in the cyberpunk genre, the impact of William Gibson’sNeuromancerwould not only help shape future science fiction works such as Lana and Lilly Wachowski’sThe Matrixfranchise, but would even impact the way people thought about the rise of the internet itself. Credited as the author responsible for originally coining the phrase “cyberspace”, many of the terms and themes first conjured in Gibson’s writings would eventually become part of the wider cultural consciousness of the late 20th century.
Apple TV+’s New Sci-Fi Show Can Make Up For Prime Video’s $140 Million Disappointment
Though Amazon Prime Video’s William Gibson adaptation flopped, Apple TV+’s new venture may make up for the sci-fi author’s previous failure.
With this kind of widespread impact in mind, it is surprising that it has taken this long for one of the author’s most memorable characters to make her live-action debut. First introduced in the 1981 short story that formed the basis for theKeanu Reeves movieJohnny Mnemonic, Gibson’s Molly Millions has been described as one of his most complex and intriguing characters. Referred to as a “razor girl” or “street samurai”,Molly’s formidable cybernetic enhancementsinclude razor-sharp retractable blades under her fingernails and vision-enhancing lenses that completely seal her eye sockets shut.
While Molly Millions (referred to only by her first name inNeuromancer)is a central figure in Gibson’s originalJohnny Mnemonicstory, her character was replaced in the movie by Dina Meyer’s Jane.
Depending on the success of Apple TV+’sNeuromancer, audiences may even get an opportunity to see more of Middleton’s Molly beyond the original 10-episode run currently planned for the show. With her character appearing not only in theJohnny Mnemonicprequel story, but also 1988’sMona Lisa Overdrive, there is still plenty of potential story fodder for continued adaptations. In the meantime, this latest casting announcement will only serve to build anticipation for what is promising to beanother fascinating Apple TV+ sci-fi project.
Neuromancer
Cast
Neuromancer follows a hacker and an assassin entangled in a high-stakes criminal underworld. They navigate intricate plots and technological landscapes as they target a powerful corporate dynasty, blending elements of cyberpunk and thriller genres.
