The newest trailer for Netflix’s Altered Carbon teases the mystery at the heart of the science fiction show. The series is based off of the 2002 novel by Richard K. Morgan about a futuristic society where people can download their consciousness into hard drive like devices (called stacks) and transfer them over to new bodies (called sleeves) when they die. This means people- mostly the wealthy- can essentially live forever.

The central mystery of the series revolves around the death of “the richest man on several planets” Laurens Bancroft (James Purefoy) in what appears to be a suicide. However, Bancroft believes he was murdered and hires former soldier Takeshi Kovacs (played by Will Yun Lee and Joel Kinnaman as his new body) to investigate what really happened to him. The first trailer for Altered Carbon introduced Bancroft, who is alive, but has no memory of how he died.


The new trailer (seen above) further introduces Takeshi, who was “down” for 250 years before being brought back to life in a new body. Presumably he will serve as the audiences’ avatar, questioning the world around him and how and why it has changed so much. Takeshi is brought back by Bancroft for the sole purpose of uncovering his murder, but it looks like he will be dragged into something deeper and much more complicated.


The visuals of the trailer are movie quality stunning. There are bright neon colors, futuristic cityscapes, and advanced technology and weapons. It looks expensive, especially in terms of the special effects. Of course, there is also some good ole’ fashioned fisticuffs as well as Kinnaman squares off against a group of armed men.

The first episode of the 10 episode series is directed by Miguel Sapochnik, best known for directing the “Hardhome” and “Battle of the Bastards” episodes of Game of Thrones. He is joined by fellow Thrones director Alex Graves. Other Altered Carbon directors include Nick Hurran (Sherlock) and Uta Briesewitz, Peter Hoar, and Andy Goddard who have all directed episodes of Marvel’s Netflix shows.

Altered Carbon looks like nothing Netflix has attempted before. With the power to change your characters’ bodies, the show has plenty of options for longevity (just look at Doctor Who). With the talent both in front of and behind the camera, the streaming site could have their next big hit.


Altered Carbon will be available to stream on Netflix starting Friday, February 2, 2018.