A tense battle of wills ensues as James' character begins to question whether Aster is friend or foe, as her ability to conceal her agenda and motives can make her a formidable opponent.
MGM+ has now picked up Beacon 23, which was originally announced by Spectrum Originals and AMC Networks. The Amazon-related streamer will launch the series on Sunday, November 12.
The surprising move comes after Spectrum pulled away from original programming and AMC Networks scaled back its own original titles. Beacon 23 was left without a home due to the Spectrum decision and the decision by AMC Networks, which had a second licensing deal for the series, to cut costs and write off $400 million worth of content.
It's the end of a long road for the series, which was originally ordered in 2020. Spectrum and AMC had already renewed the series for a second season in August 2022, a few months after production began, starring The Walking's Glen Mazzara Dead on board as showrunner and executive producer.
Beacon 23 is produced by Boat Rocker, based on the book by Hugh Howey and created by Zak Penn.
James plays Halan, the guardian of Beacon 23, a man living in complete solitude on the edge of the universe, a condition that affects his mental health. Plagued by scars and secrets from the past, he finds himself in a tense conflict with a woman who has secrets as deep as he does.
Penn en Mazzara zijn de uitvoerende producenten naast David Fortier, Ivan Schneeberg, James Middleton, Nick Nantell, Tina Thor, Katie O'Connell Marsh, Elisa Ellis, Liz Varner, Ira Steven Behr, Daniel Percival, Joy Blake, Lena Headey en Stephan James.
Boat Rocker oversees worldwide distribution and licensing for Beacon 23.
“Beacon 23 is a series in the best tradition of thought-provoking genre storytelling,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “With the incredible vision of Zak Penn and Glen Mazzara, riveting performances by Lena Headey and Stephan James, and an exciting world-building design, Beacon 23 is essential viewing for fans of premium science-fiction drama.”
“We’re delighted to bring Beacon 23 to MGM+ and introduce viewers to a world in the dark recesses of space where nothing is quite what it seems,” added David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg, Co-Executive Chairmen, Boat Rocker Media and Co-Chairmen, Boat Rocker Studios. “Beacon 23 is a rare psychological thriller whose rich characters and gripping storylines take you to some pretty unexpected places. We’re grateful to our creative partners for helping bring this epic story to life.”
