The Full Trailer for Showtime's 'The Man Who Fell to Earth' is Hauntingly Alien

When you think of the title The Man Who Fell to Earth, your brain most likely conjures images of the cult 1976 film and rock icon David Bowie, all sharp cheekbones and shocking red hair, who starred as Thomas Jerome Newton, the titular character who became stranded on our planet. But premium cable network Showtime is hoping they can change your mind on that point with the launch of their new sequel series, which follows the story of a second alien named Faraday (Chiwetel Ejiofor) who arrives on Earth at a crucial turning point in human evolution.

After crash landing in the desert, Faraday meets Justin Falls (Naomi Harris), a brilliant scientist, talented engineer, and struggling single mom. It turns out that he's fled his dying planet, and he needs her help to save Earth from the same fate

Based on the 1963 novel by The Queen's Gambit author Walter Tevis, the original 1976 film was a fairly dark and bleak affair, as Bowie's stranded alien falls victim to alcoholism and despair. It sounds as though this new ten-part series will feature a slightly more hopeful tone, as it's clear from the trailer that Faraday and Falls form an immediate and emotional bond. The clip also features our first look at a much older Thomas Jerome Newton (played by Bill Nighy) who appears to have summoned Ejiofor's Faraday to Earth in a desperate bid to find someone who will take over his mission. (Will we find out what's been doing for the 40 years since he came to Earth? Maybe!)

Watch the trailer for yourselves below.