AMC Networks has announced a new series titled Orphan Black: Echoes. The series is a spinoff set in the same world as the popular Canadian science-fiction drama Orphan Black, which ran for five seasons on BBC America and on Bell Media’s Space (now called CTV Sci-Fi).
Created by writer Graeme Mason and director John Fawcett, the original Orphan Black starred She-Hulk actress Tatiana Maslany as Sarah Manning, a British Con-Artist who discovers she is one of several genetically identical human clones. Together with her clone sisters and her foster family, Sarah uncovers a complex web of conspiracies involving a wealthy biotech company. The series dealt with themes surrounding identity and the morality around genetic manipulation. The series developed a strong global fan following while also receiving high acclaim from critics, especially for Maslany’s performance, which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award and the Golden Globe for Best Actress – Television Series Drama.
The official Orphan Black Twitter account posted a new poster for the spinoff series, which includes the new title along with a stylish DNA graphic running through the 2023 premiere date. At the moment, Maslany does not appear to be involved with the new series, but Fawcett is set to return as a director and executive producer on the new show. AMC released a short description of the series, which reads: “Set in the near future, the new Orphan Black takes a deep dive into the exploration of the scientific manipulation of human existence. It follows a group of women as they weave their way into each other’s lives and embark on a thrilling journey, unraveling the mystery of their identity and uncovering a wrenching story of love and betrayal.”
Orphan Black: Echoes is created by Anna Fishko, who will also serve as showrunner on the series. “Embarking on a new saga of Orphan Black with Anna, our partners at Boat Rocker, and AMC could not be more exciting,” Fawcett said in a statement. “For all our dedicated OB fans out there, I am thrilled that we can bring this new chapter to them. Without our fans, this new show certainly wouldn’t exist and for that, I am deeply grateful. I can’t wait to ‘follow the crazy science’ for them!”
AMC has been looking to get a new Orphan Black series off the ground since at least 2019. That same year Realm launched a podcast titled Orphan Black: The Next Chapter, which saw Maslany reprise several of her roles from the series. The first season took place eight years after the events of the TV show and season 2 saw the return of even more original cast members, including Jordan Gavaris, Evelyne Brochu, and Kristian Bruun. So far none of these actors are confirmed to be returning for the spinoff.
Orphan Black: Echoes is set to premiere on AMC and BBC America sometime in 2023.
Source: AMC
