Science fiction fans, you are in for a treat, as Sky is on the verge of releasing a new thriller, The Lazarus Project. The new series, which was made by Welsh production company Urban Myth Films, tells the story of George, a man who wakes up reliving a day from his past but with some exceptions — his success at work and his marriage to the love of his life seems to have never happened. Convinced that he has lost his mind, George is then recruited into a mysterious organisation called the Lazarus Project.
Critics of The Lazarus Project are already calling it, "one of the best British Sci-Fi's to hit our screen in a while," but will it live up to the hype? The series, which previously had the name Extinction, has stiff competition to claim that accolade as competitor sci-fi, Doctor Who, recently announced the casting of Hollywood star Neil Patrick Harris in its 60th Anniversary episode.
The Lazarus Project boasts an impressive cast list that is headed up by Paapa Essiedu in the lead role as ‘George’. But who will join him in the sci-fi thriller? And how and when can you check it out?
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What’s The Lazarus Project all about?
The Lazarus Project is primarily a show about time travel. It tells the story of George, who appears to have the ability to travel in time. When he meets the mysterious, ‘Lazarus Project’ group, his life changes forever.
The organisation has the power to turn back time each time the world is at threat from extinction and is desperately trying to stop a criminal hellbent on destroying the planet. But when something terrible happens to George and his lover Sarah, the former finds out that he can only turn back time if there’s a threat of global extinction.
George must wrestle with his conscience and decide what he’s willing to sacrifice in order to change his own fate. The eight episode series will, no doubt, be popular among sci-fi fans.
Who’s in the Lazarus Project?
The cast of the Lazarus Project is led by I May Destroy You’s Paapa Essiedu, who is no stranger to working with Sky after his successful run on Gangs of London. Of working on the show, he said of his character: "George is an ordinary guy with a genetic mutation that gives him the ability to be involved in the time-tinkering process.” He added that he has been in action-y shows before, but [he hasn’t] been at the heart of the gun-toting, car-crashing type thing”
Paapa is joined by Caroline Quentin as the mysterious boss of the Lazarus Project. Upon taking the part, which is a new type of role for her, Caroline said: "Wes, aka Elizabeth Wesley, is the highest rank of the organisation that we meet on screen. It’s very clear there are masses of rungs above her, but she has the power to press the button to turn the clock back. What really drew me to her was her staunch conviction in the idea of altruism.”
The Lazarus Project trinity is completed by ‘Archie’, played by Anjli Mohindra. Anjli is no stranger to starring in science-fiction projects, having made a name appearing in Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures. Anjli said: “What really drew me to her was her staunch conviction in the idea of altruism. She truly believes it exists - but her relationship with that wavers over the course of the series…"
Other cast members include Charly Clive who plays George’s wife Sarah. She’s best known for the TV series Pure. Strike star Tom Burke plays criminal mastermind Rebrov while The Split’s Rudi Dharmalingam also stars.
When is The Lazarus Project on TV?
The Lazarus Project is a new eight-part series which will be released on Sky Max, Sky Box Sets and Now on June 16 2022 with all eight episodes released as a box set from that air date.
