INDIANAPOLIS — In 1949, author George R. Stewart released a post-apocalyptic sci-fi novel called "Earth Abides." Seventy-five years later, that story is being adapted into a six-episode limited series.
"Earth Abides" follows a geologist named Ish (Alexander Ludwig), who awakens from a three-week coma to find out a global plague has wiped out most of humanity.
While trying to find his new purpose, Ish meets Emma (Jessica Frances Dukes), as the two fall in love while fighting for humanity and building civilization.
"Most people that walked onto this set came with the same intention — a love of this story and a responsibility to tell it to its fullest," said Dukes ("Ozark," "Gray Matter"). "Alex, immediately when I met him, was just open arms, open heart."
Michael Wright, president of MGM Scripted Television, approached Ludwig with the lead role of Ish, noting producer Michael Phillips ("Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "Taxi Driver") has had the rights to "Earth Abides" for 30 years.
"(Wright) was like, 'I want you to helm this. It's going to be the hardest thing you've ever done, and it will be the most rewarding,' and he delivered on both of those promises," said Ludwig ("Vikings," "Heels"). "I read the book, and it was almost biblical. I was so infatuated by the story. In particular, I felt like it was the most true to reality in terms of a post-apocalyptic story."
"Earth Abides" may seem ironically timely after getting through the COVID-19 pandemic, but remember, this story was written 75 years ago and long before TV shows like "The Walking Dead," "The Last of Us" and "Fallout."
"It served as a stark reminder of how grateful we all are and how lucky we all are to live in this incredible world of abundance and see it through each others' eyes," Ludwig said.
New episodes of "Earth Abides" are released Sundays through Dec. 29 on MGM+.