Matthew Graham, the writer and executive producer of Syfy’s upcoming miniseries “Childhood’s End,” laid to rest any fears that fans of the original Arthur C. Clarke novel may have had during the show’s TCA panel Wednesday.
“It would be crazy to deviate from what Arthur C. Clarke envisioned,” Graham said. He also explained the choice behind casting “Game of Thrones” alum Charles Dance has the voice of alien leader Karellen.
“It’s quite something to be fixed by Charles’ stare and his voice,” Graham said. “You needed somebody who felt like a global voice — a strong intergalactic leader, but somebody who is also a philosopher, who is also a teacher, who can also even be a friend, who had compassion, but was also very stern in his consistency of his plan. And there really aren’t many actors who can convey all of that.”
“Childhood’s End” follows the peaceful invasion of Earth by the alien Overlords, who promise to eliminate poverty, war and sickness, ushering in a golden age of peace, health and security for all of humankind.
Series star Mike Vogel also spoke about the challenge of playing the intermediary between the humans and aliens. “He’s almost a Moses character,” Vogel said, “where he very reluctantly is rejecting this idea. ‘I’m not your guy. I’m not worthy.’ They call him the blue-collar prophet in our story.”
“Childhood’s End” will air over three consecutive nights on Syfy, starting Dec. 14.