Netflix has added another promising sounding project to their original programming slate. This one comes from The Wachowskis (Cloud Atlas, The Matrix), and has been given a 10-episode order at the streaming video subscription service. Sense8 is the first foray over onto the small screen for the Wachowskis (technically excluding their involvement in the straight-to-video anthology film The Animatrix), and will join House of Cards and the new season of Arrested Development among Netflix's growing line-up of original programming.
Deadline describes Sense8 as "a gripping global tale of minds linked and souls hunted." The idea was reportedly inspired by a conversation they had late at night about "the ways technology simultaneously unites and divides us." It's vague, but certainly intriguing, and it sounds like there will be some philosophical elements to this concept, which certainly wouldn't be outside of the Wachowski's wheelhouse. The duo are teaming with Babylon 5's J. Michael Straczynski on this project. In addition to Sense8, which is expected to arrive on Netflix late next year (2014), the Wachowskis also have the film Jupiter Ascending starring Mila Kunis in the works.
Not only is it great news to hear that the Wachowskis are bringing their unique style and imaginative storytelling to the small screen for a serialized drama, but the fact that it's landed at Netflix is further evidence of the subscription service's eye for talent and evident refusal to confine its original programming to one particular genre. From political drama House of Cards, to the upcoming horror-mystery series Hemlock Grove, and anticipated comedies Arrested Development and Weeds-creator Jeni Kohan's Orange is the New Black, not to mention Ricky Gervais' Derek, it seems evident that Netflix is targeting all audiences with their programming, and choosing projects with substantial talent behind them. Hopefully we'll hear more details on what the Wachowskis have planned for Sense8 soon.
