Apple TV is returning to the world of alternate-history area exploration with Star Metropolis, a brand new drama that shifts the main focus of the For All Mankind universe behind Soviet borders. Premiering Might 29, the collection revisits the second that modified the worldwide steadiness of energy on this fictional timeline: the Soviet Union reaching the moon earlier than the US.
However as an alternative of revisiting these occasions by means of NASA’s perspective, Star Metropolis digs into the hidden equipment of the Soviet area program itself. The collection follows the cosmonauts, engineers and intelligence operatives working contained in the USSR’s secretive aerospace community, the place scientific ambition exists side-by-side with political stress and fixed surveillance.
Whereas For All Mankind usually balanced large-scale optimism with geopolitical rigidity, Star Metropolis seems to embrace a extra grounded and suspense-driven tone. Early footage suggests a collection formed as a lot by espionage and inside battle as by technological achievement, with the Soviet program portrayed as each a nationwide triumph and a harmful stress cooker.
The mission comes from franchise creators Ronald D. Moore, Ben Nedivi and Matt Wolpert, who proceed increasing the alternate timeline they first launched in 2019. As an alternative of functioning as a direct continuation, the brand new collection operates extra like a parallel story, revealing what was taking place on the alternative aspect of the Chilly Struggle throughout lots of the occasions viewers already know from For All Mankind.
Rhys Ifans leads the forged because the Soviet Union’s influential chief architect of the lunar program, whereas Anna Maxwell Martin performs a senior intelligence official tasked with sustaining order throughout the more and more risky operation. The ensemble additionally contains Agnes O’Casey, Alice Englert, Solly McLeod, Adam Nagaitis, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis and Priya Kansara.
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Agnes O’Casey in “Star Metropolis,” premiering Might 29, 2026 on Apple TV. |
Visually, the manufacturing seems to be notably distinct from its predecessor. The intense optimism and Americana aesthetic related to NASA have been changed by stark navy amenities, industrial interiors and the inflexible ambiance of a state-controlled system. That distinction alone might assist Star Metropolis carve out its personal identification as an alternative of merely feeling like an extension of For All Mankind.
The timing of the spinoff can be notable. With For All Mankind approaching its ultimate chapter, Apple TV seems dedicated to retaining the franchise alive by means of tales that broaden the universe moderately than repeat it. If profitable, Star Metropolis might open the door for much more tales set inside this alternate model of contemporary historical past.
At its core, although, the collection appears much less all in favour of rockets and victories than within the individuals trapped contained in the machine. The moon touchdown might symbolize the backdrop, however the true drama seems to return from the sacrifices, secrets and techniques and compromises required to make that victory doable.
Star Metropolis premieres Might 29 on Apple TV+. Try first look images for the collection beneath.
