Netflix’s original series “Altered Carbon” was set to be one of the streaming service’s premier offerings. With a huge budget and a revered source material from author Richard K. Morgan, ‘Carbon’ was all set to be another TV juggernaut, such as “Stranger Things” or “Orange is the New Black.” But that never happened. Reviews weren’t kind, white-washing controversies swirled, and ultimately, the series was released with barely any fanfare. All signs pointed to “Altered Carbon” being a bomb.
But yet, here we are today, and Netflix has announced plans to bring back the series for another 8 episodes, but in a new, revamped package.
In the upcoming second season of “Altered Carbon,” ‘Avengers’ star Anthony Mackie is taking over the lead role of Takeshi Kovacs, previously played by Joel Kinnaman, and there are a couple more behind-the-scenes additions that are hoping to make the series live up to its massive expectations.
Netflix is quick to explain how Mackie is able to replace Kinnaman, while playing the same character:
“In the world of ‘Altered Carbon,’ the journey of Takeshi Kovacs spans hundreds of years, many different bodies, and planets. This allows the story to explore themes of identity, mortality, and the human soul. In this new season, Anthony Mackie will be the new embodiment of Kovacs, as the series continues to expand on these deeper themes and ideas across longer periods of times and different worlds throughout the universe.”
As mentioned above, Mackie isn’t the only new addition to the series. Joining showrunner Laeta Kalogridis is writer-producer Alison Schapker, who will share the showrunning duties. Schapker is probably best known as a writer/producer on series like “Lost,” “Scandal,” “Fringe,” and “The Flash.”
So, it looks like Netflix is still banking on “Altered Carbon” to be a crown jewel in their Originals lineup, but it’s going to take some retooling. While Kinnaman definitely didn’t impress in season 1, will Mackie be enough to bring more eyes to the series? And what changes will Schapker make?
Guess we’ll find out when “Altered Carbon” returns for 8 more episodes in the future.