Apple TV Greenlights New Sci-Fi Thriller 'Liminal' from 'Babylon 5' Creator

The film will star Marvel actors Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Vanessa Kirby and is based on a graphic novel by J. Michael Straczynski.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:18pm

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Apple TV has officially greenlit a new sci-fi film called 'Liminal' from director Louis Leterrier. The film will star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Vanessa Kirby in the lead roles and is based on the graphic novel 'Telepaths' by J. Michael Straczynski, the creator of the acclaimed sci-fi series 'Babylon 5'. Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the film is expected to be set in an alternate future where 10% of the world's population gains telepathic abilities.

Why it matters

Apple TV has been making a strong push into original sci-fi content in recent years, with hits like 'Severance' and 'Pluribus'. 'Liminal' represents the streamer's latest high-profile sci-fi project, tapping into the popularity of Marvel stars Abdul-Mateen and Kirby as well as the built-in fanbase of 'Babylon 5' creator Straczynski. The film has the potential to be Apple TV's next big sci-fi breakout.

The details

Directed by Louis Leterrier, who recently helmed the blockbuster 'Fast X', 'Liminal' is based on Straczynski's graphic novel 'Telepaths'. The film will be set in an alternate future where 10% of the world's population gains telepathic abilities due to an electromagnetic pulse. This leads to a clash between the Boston police department and a new faction born out of those with supernatural powers. Justin Rhodes, known for writing 'Terminator: Dark Fate', is penning the script.

  • The film was officially greenlit by Apple TV in March 2026.

The players

Louis Leterrier

The director of 'Liminal' and the recent blockbuster 'Fast X'.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

The Marvel actor who will star in the lead role of 'Liminal'.

Vanessa Kirby

The Marvel actress who will co-star with Abdul-Mateen in 'Liminal'.

J. Michael Straczynski

The creator of the acclaimed sci-fi series 'Babylon 5' and the author of the graphic novel 'Telepaths' that 'Liminal' is based on.

Justin Rhodes

The screenwriter of 'Liminal' who previously wrote 'Terminator: Dark Fate'.

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What’s next

It's unclear at this time when 'Liminal' will begin filming or be released, but the project is expected to move forward now that it has been officially greenlit by Apple TV.

The takeaway

With a strong creative team behind it, including the 'Babylon 5' creator and Marvel stars in the lead roles, 'Liminal' has the potential to be Apple TV's next big sci-fi hit and continue the streamer's push into high-profile original genre content.