The incredible Chiwetel Ejiofor stars in the sci-fi drama, The Man Who Fell to Earth. The series follows an alien from the planet Anthea who falls to Earth. It’s a follow-up to the 1976 movie of the same name, which was based on the novel, also titled The Man Who Fell to Earth. The film starred the late, great David Bowie. The series cleverly pays tribute to Bowie by naming each episode after one of his songs.
Ejiofor’s character Faraday arrives on Earth and must adapt to its rather strange and unpredictable environment, and slowly learn to be human. He befriends a scientist named Justin Falls (played by Naomie Harris) and together they must work together to save each other’s planets from great danger.
Ejiofor brilliantly embodies the character Faraday, bringing the alien to life. It will leave you wondering whether Ejiofor is actually an alien posing as an actor. Jokes aside, he’s really good. Ejiofor really had to shift his way of thinking to get into this role, reflecting on our planet as if he was seeing it for the first time.
Bill Nighy takes over the role of Thomas Jerome Newton, David Bowie’s role from the film. His storyline picks up 45 years after the film and sees Newton’s character as an alien now living on earth for 45 years, struggling with an addiction to alcohol. Nighy puts his own spin on the character, while still honouring Bowie. The show also explores Newton’s relationship with Faraday.
Watch The Man Who Fell Who Fell to Earth from 17 April on Me, channel 115.