Murderbot Stars Noma Dumezweni and David Dastmalchian Talk AI, Comfort TV, and Humanity’s Future – Interview

Why Murderbot is more than just a sci-fi thriller.

Now streaming on Apple TV+, the sci-fi thriller-comedy Murderbot brings humor, action, and existential dilemmas together in a story about a self-aware security construct that just wants to be left alone to watch soap operas. Based on Martha Wells’ acclaimed book series, the show stars Alexander Skarsgård as the titular Murderbot and is executive produced by Skarsgård and filmmakers Chris and Paul Weitz.

I spoke with two standout cast members—Noma Dumezweni, who plays the empathetic Dr. Mensah, and David Dastmalchian, who plays the skeptical Gurathin—to discuss their characters, the show’s relevance in today’s tech-driven world, and whether or not they’d want an AI companion of their own.

A New Chapter in Sci-Fi

Dastmalchian, a self-professed fan of boundary-pushing genre projects, expressed excitement about being part of Apple’s growing catalog of cinematic television.

“It’s so cool to be part of this moment,” he said. “Apple is having such a huge impact on the landscape of storytelling, and the fact that we get to be one of their projects—it’s really an exciting time to be a part of the Apple family.”

Dumezweni echoed the enthusiasm, adding that she was drawn to the humanity baked into the series’ futuristic setting. “It’s that human connection,” she said. “We’re talking about AI, but the input from us—our cultures, our backgrounds, our stories—that’s what makes any form of AI relevant and maybe even hopeful.”

Wrestling With AI… On and Off Screen

Murderbot’s internal struggle between programming and free will mirrors the current real-world conversation about artificial intelligence. When asked if the show has changed its views on AI, Dastmalchian admitted he’s still cautious but curious.

“I’m not comfortable, but I’m curious,” he said. “I read The Singularity is Near years ago and lived in this fear space, but working on Murderbot made me more open-minded. It challenged me to be more compassionate about what this technology could mean.”

Dumezweni stressed the importance of inclusive development when it comes to AI. “If the input comes from a homogenized group, it’s not going to serve anybody,” she said. “But if it includes the variety of voices around the world, then maybe—just maybe—it can be something good.”

AI Companions and Comfort Shows

When asked what task they’d offload to a personal robot without hesitation, Dastmalchian joked about avoiding workouts: “I’d want mine to exercise for me so I could stay in shape while lying in bed. Not sure that’s biologically possible, but let’s make it happen!”

As for their AI’s preferred viewing? “Sven Ghoulie or Joe Bob Briggs in my brain, always,” he laughed.

Dumezweni had a more grounded answer. “Tidying up. Please tidy up for me. I’m such a lazy thing when it comes to that,” she said with a smile. As for her comfort binge-watch? “Spy—the one with Melissa McCarthy. It just makes me happy.”

Murderbot doesn’t just deliver on sci-fi action—it asks meaningful questions about humanity, autonomy, and connection in an increasingly digital world. With Dumezweni and Dastmalchian lending heart and humor to the cast, it’s no wonder the show is already resonating with audiences.

The future may be uncertain, but one thing’s clear: Murderbot is a must-watch. Catch it now, only on Apple TV+.

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