According to Deadline, Star Wars alum John Boyega has signed on along with Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss (American Crime Story) for the leading roles in iHeartRadio’s forthcoming sci-fi thriller podcast series There Be Monsters. The 10-part narrative podcast is expected to make its debut later this year on iHeartPodcast Network.
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“Getting to explore this format of storytelling whilst also adjusting to new methods of recording with the cast members made it an exciting process,” Boyega said in a statement. “I’m thrilled it all came together and hope audiences are just as drawn in as I was to this sci-fi thriller series.”
There Be Monsters follows a mysterious hero (Boyega) with a vendetta as he infiltrates a Silicon Valley body hacking startup which is run by an enigmatic CEO Max Fuller (Criss), whose highly secretive creations promise to enhance human biology in incredible ways. Of course, every drug has a side effect.
Joining Boyega and Criss are Marley Shelton (Rampage), Clark Gregg (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and Sahr Ngaujah (Patti Cake$).
“From the start, our goal for There Be Monsters, our first PodFiction series, has always been to break down traditional storytelling barriers and create a completely unique and immersive narrative audio experience that takes listeners beyond conventional podcasting,” producer Beau Flynn said. “When the pandemic hit this year and the world collectively turned to storytellers and artists to help get through this challenging time, we knew we had to find a way to keep production on track and deliver this story. We couldn’t have conceived of better partners than iHeartRadio, Dan Bush and our exemplary cast and crew to step into the unknown with. What we were able to achieve together despite endless challenges and limitations is truly a first of its kind, and we can’t wait to share this incredible story and unique experience with the world.”
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The podcast series has been in development at iHeartRadio since last year and was supposed to start its cast recordings earlier this year. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the creative team has instead sent each cast member a “Studio in a Box,” which will allow them to remotely record studio-quality audio.
“There Be Monsters is a psychological thriller that chronicles the rise of humankind 2.0, and the disruptions to society that come with it. We chose to format this story as a scripted podcast because it is an immersive, storytelling playground.” Dan Bush said.
There Be Monsters is created and directed by Dan Bush from a script he co-wrote with Nicholas Tecosky. On top of starring, Boyega is also producing through his UpperRoom Productions banner. It is also produced by Beau Flynn, Scott Sheldon, and Shelby Thomas of FlynnPictureCo along Dan Bush of Psychopia Pictures.
(Photo Credits: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Disney and Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
