In the latest buzz from Apple TV+’s hit sci-fi comedy “Murderbot,” Alexander Skarsgård’s behind-the-scenes confession— “I Was Struggling”—has become a viral talking point. Skarsgård, known for his intense and transformative roles, faced an unexpected challenge while filming: maintaining a completely blank expression as the emotionless SecUnit, despite hilarious on-set antics. The actor’s candid admission about the scene that kept cracking him up while playing an emotionless robot is now one of the most memorable moments from the show’s first season3.
Skarsgård’s portrayal of Murderbot, a part-human, part-machine security unit with a penchant for watching space soap operas and avoiding human interaction, has been praised for its subtle humor and emotional depth. The show, based on Martha Wells’ beloved “Murderbot Diaries,” follows the titular cyborg as it navigates newfound freedom, awkward social situations, and the complexities of developing human-like emotions—all while trying to keep its cool.
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The Scene That Broke Skarsgård’s Robot Face
One of the standout moments in Skarsgård’s performance came during a particularly funny interaction with co-star Anna Konkle, who plays Leebeebee. In the scene, Leebeebee misreads Murderbot’s blank demeanor as romantic interest and leans in for a kiss, completely oblivious to the cyborg’s utter lack of emotion. Skarsgård’s challenge was to remain expressionless, but the absurdity of the situation and Konkle’s comedic timing made it nearly impossible for him to keep a straight face.
“I was struggling. I can’t lie, I was struggling because they are so funny, the other actors. Especially, I remember one scene with Anna Konkle,” Skarsgård recalled. “When she thinks that there’s sexual chemistry between herself and Murderbot, and there’s zero of that from Murderbot’s point of view, but she reads the room completely wrong and thinks it’s the right moment that she’s leaning in for a kiss. And I’m supposed to be completely blank, just like standing there as she tries to lean in for what she thinks is a passionate moment.”3
This behind-the-scenes struggle highlights the unique challenges of playing a character who is both physically and emotionally robotic. Skarsgård’s commitment to the role, including enduring full-body waxing to achieve a mannequin-like appearance, underscores the lengths he went to for authenticity5.
Why “I Was Struggling” Resonates with Fans
Skarsgård’s admission that he was struggling to keep a straight face while filming this scene has resonated with fans and critics alike. It’s a reminder that even the most seasoned actors face unexpected hurdles, and that comedy often comes from the most unlikely places. The scene is a perfect example of how “Murderbot” balances humor and heart, using awkwardness and social faux pas to explore deeper themes of identity, belonging, and what it means to be human.
The show’s unique blend of sci-fi action and quirky comedy has set it apart from other robot-centric series. Unlike traditional action heroes, Murderbot is socially awkward, neurotic, and prefers binge-watching soap operas over fulfilling its security duties. This refreshing take has made Skarsgård’s portrayal one of the most talked-about performances of the year7.
Key Point Summary
- Alexander Skarsgård struggled to keep a straight face during a hilarious scene with Anna Konkle, where her character misreads Murderbot’s blankness as romantic interest.
- The actor’s candid admission—“I Was Struggling”—highlights the challenges of playing an emotionless robot in a comedy setting.
- Skarsgård’s commitment to the role included full-body waxing and hours in restrictive armor, all for the sake of authenticity.
- “Murderbot” stands out for its blend of sci-fi action, quirky comedy, and deep emotional themes, making it a hit with audiences and critics alike.
Skarsgård’s Take on Murderbot’s Complexity
In interviews, Skarsgård has described Murderbot as one of the most complex characters he’s ever played. The cyborg’s internal monologue, filled with snark and insecurity, contrasts sharply with its stoic exterior. This duality is at the heart of the show’s appeal, allowing Skarsgård to explore a wide range of emotions—even if Murderbot itself rarely shows them6.
The actor has also spoken about his initial hesitation to take on the role, fearing it would be another testosterone-fueled action romp. However, after reading the script, he was drawn to the character’s depth and humor, ultimately deciding that Murderbot was a role he couldn’t pass up8.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Murderbot
Creating Murderbot’s look was no small feat. Skarsgård underwent a grueling process of full-body waxing, which he later described as a “foolish decision” due to the pain involved. The costume, designed to mimic both armor and human skin, required careful adjustments to accommodate breaks and movement. Despite the discomfort, Skarsgård embraced the challenge, using the physical transformation to inform his performance5.
The show’s creators, Paul and Chris Weitz, worked closely with Skarsgård to ensure that Murderbot’s awkwardness and vulnerability shone through. The result is a character that feels both alien and deeply relatable, a testament to Skarsgård’s skill as an actor and the creative vision behind the series.
The Future of Murderbot and Skarsgård’s Legacy
With the first season of “Murderbot” nearing its conclusion, fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next for Skarsgård and his cyborg alter ego. The show’s success has sparked conversations about the future of sci-fi comedy and the potential for more stories centered on socially awkward, emotionally complex robots.
Skarsgård’s performance has set a new standard for the genre, proving that even the most emotionless characters can be deeply compelling when brought to life with humor, heart, and a touch of humanity.
Don’t miss out on the latest episodes of “Murderbot” on Apple TV+—see for yourself why Alexander Skarsgård’s struggle to keep a straight face has become one of the most talked-about moments in TV comedy.