Unveiling the Sci-Fi Spectacle: NextCypher's "Deathlands" Directed by Jonathan Frakes

Jeff Garzik's production company, NextCypher, has enlisted the talents of Star Trek's Jonathan Frakes to direct an adaptation of the sci-fi novel Deathlands. Frakes, known for his role as Commander Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation, brings his experience as a veteran director who has worked on TV shows like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Star Trek: Picard, and Leverage: Redemption to this project. Garzik expressed his excitement by stating that he was "incredibly humbled and blessed" to have Frakes on board.

Key Points:

• Deathlands Adaptation: Based on a series of novels by James Axler and Jack Adrian, Deathlands follows a group of survivors navigating a post-apocalyptic world using teleportation technology. Garzik described the show as a blend of "Mad Max meets AI meets the monsters from Tremors."
• Refreshed Adaptation: Garzik highlighted that the TV series offers a modern take on the original post-Cold War, post-nuclear war scenario presented in the books. The updated setting reflects a world post-AI-driven chaos, promising an engaging narrative filled with twists and turns.
• Optimism Amid Challenges: Despite the bleak title, Garzik emphasized the optimism in Deathlands, focusing on the resilience of the survivors facing adversities each week. He believes this optimistic spirit resonated with Frakes and inspired his involvement in the project.
• Production Details: The first show in NextCypher's lineup, Deathlands, is set to commence filming in Sofia, Bulgaria, during the upcoming spring. Garzik serves as the executive producer alongside Thomas P. Vitale, with Mark A. Altman, known for his work on Pandora and Agent X, leading as the showrunner.
• Web3 Integration: As a pioneer in the Linux operating system and Bitcoin Core project, Garzik established NextCypher Productions in 2022 to create independent sci-fi content using Web3 tools. The company aims to utilize technologies like non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to provide fans with early access to their productions.

By combining the creative vision of Jeff Garzik and the directorial expertise of Jonathan Frakes, Deathlands emerges as a promising project that reimagines post-apocalyptic storytelling for modern audiences. The collaboration between these industry veterans, coupled with NextCypher's innovative approach to production, sets the stage for a compelling sci-fi series that is sure to captivate viewers worldwide.