Orphan Black: Echoes - What We Know So Far
When "Orphan Black" — the critically acclaimed show that stars Tatiana Maslany as a bunch of clones — ended in 2017, fans of the series were sad to say goodbye to all their favorite clones and dysfunctional family and friends. But the show ends on such a positive note for the family, that it seems like Sarah, Cosima, and all the clones can finally have some peace.
Then, a couple of years later, Variety broke the news that AMC and the original series producers, Temple Street Productions, were in talks about a new series set in the same "Orphan Black" world. Fans got even more exciting news when "Orphan Black: The Next Chapter" was released, a podcast that continues the stories of the clones in the future, starring Emmy Award-winning Maslany voicing the characters (via IMDb), and other original characters voicing themselves for the second season.
Finally, after a long delay, the originally planned AMC-backed spin-off series of "Orphan Black" will finally see the light. Temple Street Productions and the AMC Networks recently announced that "Orphan Black: Echoes" has been greenlit and is back in development (via Entertainment Weekly). Here's what we know so far.
The new series is expected to premiere in 2023
According to The Hollywood Reporter, AMC Networks has officially greenlit "Orphan Black: Echoes," which is set to premiere in 2023 on AMC+ and its affiliate platforms. While it is said to be part of the "Orphan Black" Universe, it will be neither a reboot or a sequel to the original series. This leaves the story potential for the new show wide open, as it doesn't hinge on the original characters returning.
The premise of "Orphan Black: Echoes" sounds as woman-empowered as the original, with AMC saying it "takes a deep dive into the exploration of the scientific manipulation of human existence. It follows a group of women as they weave their way into each other's lives and embark on a thrilling journey, unraveling the mystery of their identity and uncovering a wrenching story of love and betrayal" (via Deadline). Whether "Orphan Black: Echoes" continues the story of the original clones in some way or focuses on an entirely new group of women (which seems more likely), we can't wait to see what else is happening in the fascinating "Orphan Black" universe.
Many people who worked on the original "Orphan Black" series will be returning, such as co-creator John Fawcett as director and executive producer, along with Boat Rocker, who distributed and produced the original. Also returning are executive producers David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg, who will be joined by Boat Rocker executive producers Katie O'Connell Marsh, Nick Nantell, and Kerry Appleyard (via The Wrap). In February, Anna Fishko joined the project as showrunner, executive producer, and writer. At this point, the cast of "Orphan Black: Echoes" is entirely unknown, and it's unclear if they plan to ask any of the original actors to return.