Apple TV’s Neuromancer: Can the Cyberpunk Classic Break the Adaptation Curse?

Apple TV Plus is diving into the cyberpunk classic Neuromancer, and honestly, it’s about time! William Gibson’s legendary novel is finally getting a proper adaptation, but the road ahead looks pretty bumpy. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love dystopian sci-fi, here’s what you need to know about the upcoming series.

• Apple TV Plus is making a Neuromancer series
• The book basically invented cyberpunk as we know it
• There have been lots of failed adaptation attempts before
• The teaser is out, but it’s super minimal
• Expect familiar cyberpunk vibes—maybe too familiar?

Neuromancer finally comes to TV (for real this time)

After years of rumors and failed projects (yep, we’re looking at you, Chris Cunningham and Tim Miller), Apple TV Plus has officially started production on a 10-episode Neuromancer series. Graham Roland (known from Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan) is on board as showrunner, and JD Dillard (Devotion) will direct the pilot. So, there’s some serious talent behind the camera!

Why is adapting Neuromancer such a challenge?

Here’s the tricky part: Gibson’s 1984 novel didn’t just influence cyberpunk, it defined it. The book introduced the term “the matrix” for a virtual reality world—way before The Matrix movies, Ready Player One, or even Cyberpunk 2077. But now, thanks to all those films and games, a Neuromancer adaptation risks feeling *derivative* instead of groundbreaking.

The story follows super hacker Case (played by Callum Turner from Masters of the Air) and the iconic cyborg assassin Molly (Briana Middleton). Together, they try to pull off a high-stakes heist against a mysterious megacorporation, all while exploring themes of AI, wealth inequality, and digital identity. Sounds familiar? That’s the uphill battle—making it feel fresh in a world full of cyberpunk stories.

What does the teaser show?

To mark the 41st anniversary of Neuromancer’s publication, Apple dropped a teaser trailer that’s all about vibes, not spoilers. It features a flickering neon sign and gives us a first look at the legendary Chatsubo bar in Japan—a key hangout for Case. If you want to check it out for yourself, here’s the teaser:

Will Apple TV Plus deliver the cyberpunk goods?

With no premiere date set yet, there’s still plenty of time for the team to get things right. But with so many cyberpunk stories already out there (hello, Blade Runner 2049 and Altered Carbon), the Neuromancer series needs to work extra hard to stand out. Still, with a strong cast and a legendary story, it’s definitely one to keep an eye on.

Want to read more about past adaptation attempts? Check out the stories on Chris Cunningham, Tim Miller, and Vincenzo Natali.

Stay tuned for more updates—let’s hope Apple’s take on Neuromancer is as cool as the book that started it all!