Apple TV’s Neuromancer Succeeds A Mark Wahlberg Film That Never Happened

by

Apple TV is creating a new cyberpunk series based on the groundbreaking novel Neuromancer. Interestingly, a film version starring Mark Wahlberg was once planned but never made.

Apple TV has a great selection of science fiction shows, and they’re adding even more new and returning series in the future. The most anticipated of these is their adaptation of William Gibson’s classic sci-fi novel, Neuromancer. For years, many believed Neuromancer would be impossible to adapt into a film or TV series, so it’s exciting that Apple TV is giving it a try.

Before the Apple TV series, a movie adaptation of Neuromancer with Mark Wahlberg attached was almost made.

Long Before Apple TV Adapted Neuromancer, A Movie Adaptation Of The Cyberpunk Book Was Planned

William Gibson’s Neuromancer was the first book to win three major literary awards:

  • The Hugo Award
  • The Nebula Award for Best Novel
  • The Philip K. Dick Award

No other book has ever won the same combination of awards, and Neuromancer still holds the record for winning three. Considering its huge influence as the book that really launched the cyberpunk genre, it’s clear Neuromancer earned all the praise it received.

Given how popular the book is, it’s no surprise that people have tried to make a movie out of it before, and there was even talk of Mark Wahlberg being in it.

Before Apple TV began developing a series based on the classic cyberpunk novel, director Vincenzo Natali – known for films like Cube and Splice – was originally planning to make a Neuromancer movie. He worked on the project for a while, and Mark Wahlberg and Liam Neeson were considered for leading roles, according to The Guardian. Ultimately, Natali left the project and it didn’t move forward.

Had the Neuromancer film been made, the Apple TV series might not exist, or it could have been a direct adaptation of the novel instead of a new interpretation.

Vincenzo Natali’s Neuromancer Movie Sounds Great, But The TV Format Seems Better Suited For The Book Adaptation

I always thought Vincenzo Natali, the director behind films like Cube and Splice, would have done something really unique with Neuromancer. It would have been amazing to see his take on it! But honestly, looking back now, I think Apple TV+ turning it into a series was the right move. It gives the story the space it really needs to breathe and explore all those complex ideas.

William Gibson followed up Neuromancer with two other books:

  • Count Zero
  • Mona Lisa Overdrive

The books are commonly known as the Sprawl trilogy, and Apple TV’s format, which allows for extended storytelling, makes it easy to adapt all three books without the constraints of a shorter show length.

Apple TV has a strong track record of adapting complex science fiction novels for television. Their past successes demonstrate they’re capable of creating a compelling adaptation of Neuromancer. The book’s themes, especially its focus on artificial intelligence, also feel particularly timely and relevant now.

When Vincenzo Natali first began working on adapting Neuromancer, the story felt like far-off science fiction. But with current conversations about artificial intelligence, the potential for superintelligence, and the growing power of huge companies, the new Neuromancer series on Apple TV is likely to resonate deeply with audiences.

Read More

2026-01-05 07:10