Expect to see an iconic villain to look very different when Netflix’s Lost in Space remake premieres in 2018. The role of Dr. Smith has been gender-swapped and an actress will take over the part played by Jonathan Harris in the 1965 sci-fi series of the same name. Parker Posey is set to fill the role, reports Deadline.
Like the original, Netflix’s Lost in Space will center on the Robinson family as they find themselves stranded in space and dealing with dangerous threats, a new environment, and their own personal issues. As Dr. Smith, Posey will likely be up to no good. Harris’ version of the character was known for double-dealing, attempts at sabotage, and dropping harsh quips.
Dr. Smith has appeared in multiple Lost in Space successors since CBS canceled the original. In fact, Harris voiced an animated version of the character in a 1970s cartoon spinoff that failed to take off and Gary Oldman later played the villain in the 1998 film adaptation of the series. This will be the first time we will see the character as a woman, so we’re excited to see what other surprises the Netflix series has in store.
It is still unclear how closely the Netflix version of Lost in Space will follow the original, but we expect Posey to bring her own spin to the character. The actress has proven versatile over the years and her long resume includes roles such as You’ve Got Mail, Superman Returns, and Café Society, among many others. She has big shoes to fill, though; Harris managed to turn what was supposed to be a temporary character into a long-standing one with his portrayal.
Posey’s co-stars will include House of Cards star Molly Parker, Black Sails‘ Toby Stephens, Taylor Russell, and Maxwell Jenkins as members of the Robinson family. The series is being written by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless, and is set to debut on Netflix with 10 one-hour episodes in 2018.