Lena Headey’s New Sci-Fi Show From A Star Trek Icon Is What Fans Need
The first two episodes of the Lena Headey-led sci-fi psychological thriller series Beacon 23 debuted on MGM+ on November 12. Created by Zak Penn and executive produced by Ira Steven Behr of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine fame, the show is based on the short story series of the same name by bestselling author Hugh Howey. Set in the 23rd century, the story takes place on a remote lighthouse in space that serves as a beacon to help passing ships.
Lena Headey Plays The Mysterious Aster Calyx
The show follows Aster Calyx (Lena Headey) and Halan Kai Nelson (Stephan James), whose fates become entangled after they become trapped in Beacon 23 at the end of the known universe. Each Beacon is operated by a highly skilled human and a specialized Artificial Intelligence. Aster mysteriously arrives at the isolated Beacon manned by Halan, initiating a tense power struggle between them.
Over time, Halan (Stephan James) begins to question whether Aster (Lena Headey) is a friend or enemy, as her ability to hide her true intentions and motives becomes challenging. Beacon 23 was originally greenlit by Spectrum Originals and AMC Networks but later moved to MGM+. The series has been described as a thought-provoking genre of storytelling with an exciting world-building design.
Beacon 23 Is Already Renewed For A 2nd Season
The trailer for the show kicked off with Aster Calyx (Lena Headey) awakening on Beacon 23, but it swiftly becomes evident that her arrival at this isolated outpost was very deliberate. Despite her attempts to unravel the mysteries surrounding the beacon keeper Halan Kai Nelson (Stephan James), her attempts don’t yield the expected results. While the clip doesn’t reveal too many details, it does hint at an external threat.
Development of the intergalactic Lena Headey-led series was officially announced in 2018. The actress was the first to be cast in March 2021, followed by Stephan James in September of the same year. Before the first season even hit screen, Beacon 23 was picked up for a second season, which was filmed consecutively with Season 1.
Challenges In Production Of Season 2
Glen Mazzara and Joy Blake were announced as the new co-showrunners after season one due to scheduling conflicts for Zak Penn. However, the journey from script to screen faced its share of challenges. Principal photography was initially scheduled to begin in Toronto in 2021, but a series of unforeseen delays pushed the production to April 2022.
Lena Headey In Game Of Thrones
Lena Headey’s role in Beacon 23 adds to her successful film and television career. The actress became a household name after she starred as Queen Cersei Lannister in the critically acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones, based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series. She earned critical acclaim for bringing complexity and depth to the character.
Headey’s Career Before Game Of Thrones
Before her iconic role in Game of Thrones, Lena Headey had already made a mark in the film industry. She appeared in several prominent roles, including the lead in the 2005 fantasy movie The Brothers Grimm and the 2006 action film 300, where she portrayed Queen Gorgo. Heady has also demonstrated her versatility in dramas and independent films.
Fans can catch Lena Heady in Beacon 23, with new installments of the eight-episode series airing weekly on MGM+.
