This December, streaming service Lionsgate Play debuts “War of the Worlds,” a modern retelling of H.G. Wells’ iconic sci-fi tale. Set in contemporary Britain and France, the series explores humanity’s struggle to survive after a mysterious transmission confirms intelligent extraterrestrial life. What begins as a scientific breakthrough quickly escalates into chaos when alien forces launch a devastating attack, leaving civilization in ruins.
The series, starring Gabriel Byrne (“The Usual Suspects”), Daisy Edgar-Jones (“Normal People”), and Léa Drucker (“Custody”), digs into survival and human relationships amid catastrophe. Byrne described the show as relevant to current fears, explaining, “The aliens are a metaphor for the unknown, reflecting fears we cannot fully articulate in today’s world.” Edgar-Jones highlighted its unique focus on human connections, emphasizing, “It’s about survival, sacrifice, and how relationships evolve under pressure.”
“War of the Worlds” spans three seasons, each exploring the survivors’ quest for answers about their alien invaders and their fight to reclaim Earth. Season 1 premieres Dec. 6, with Seasons 2 and 3 following on Dec. 13 and 20.