Invasion Season 2: A Deep Dive into the Global Narratives with Co-Creator Simon Kinberg

Article Overview

Invasion season 2 delves deeper into the invading aliens, exploring their language, portals, and other elements, adding to the epic tale of human survival.

The second season of the show boasts a diverse and international cast of characters, giving it a unique edge over other alien invasion narratives and playing a significant role in its triumph.

Filming Invasion season 2 in multiple foreign settings brought about logistical hurdles, yet it also allowed for the creation of an engrossing and genuine viewing experience.

The second season of Apple TV+'s popular sci-fi series, Invasion, has concluded with an incredible story of human survival. Co-created by Simon Kinberg and David Weil, the show premiered in 2021 and quickly captivated audiences on Apple TV+. In its second season, Invasion expanded on its storytelling by exploring the language, portals, and other aspects of the invading aliens. Furthermore, season 2 maintained the diverse and international cast of characters that contributed to its initial success.

Our website interviewed Invasion co-creator Simon Kinberg on the making of season 2, and he shared how it ramps up the show's global story of humanity under siege.

Simon Kinberg Talks Invasion Season 2

Our website: What can you share about the development process of Invasion before the show first debuted in 2021?

Simon Kinberg: I find great joy in collaborating with others, and while I have mainly done so in the world of film, working with a writer's room every day to create something remarkable felt just as enjoyable. Throughout the production process, Apple provided remarkable support, which made the year of script development truly inspired and inspiring.

Invasion explores the invasion from various perspectives of characters across the globe. I would like to know what influenced your storytelling choices in season 2 of Invasion, and how you believe it distinguishes itself from other alien invasion narratives.

Simon Kinberg initially conceived the idea of adapting H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds for HBO. However, HBO decided to pursue a different sci-fi show, although it ultimately did not come to fruition. Subsequently, we found a new home for the project at Apple.

As I delved into planning a modern War of the Worlds adaptation, it became apparent that the book and previous movie adaptations lacked a global perspective. Most science fiction films tend to focus on a single protagonist, but considering the concept of a global invasion, it was essential to portray the global aspect authentically. Rather than viewing the world through the lens of an American or British character behaving like a tourist, I aimed for a more genuine and organic perspective.

So, my pitch to Apple for the show was a blend of War of the Worlds and the film Babel. Apple responded positively to this concept, particularly to the global perspective it offered. They were not hesitant about incorporating numerous subtitles, as I wanted to create a truly planetary scenario. This was something I had never witnessed before. Unlike Independence Day, which predominantly focuses on American characters, our show brings aliens who couldn't care less about our official borders.

Was the international scope of Invasion, particularly in season 2, more challenging from a logistical perspective due to its portrayal of an international and multicultural viewpoint?

Simon Kinberg: Definitely. The global setting posed its own challenges as we had to navigate different locations every few months. Season one was particularly difficult, almost pushing us to our limits, as we had to shoot in Tokyo, Morocco, London, New York, and another location that I seem to have overlooked. Additionally, the pandemic hit while we were filming, and each place had its own unique response and policies regarding COVID, which had a significant impact on our production. It was a constant, unpredictable battle as we faced an unprecedented and frightening situation, especially in the year 2020.

In season two, we faced an unexpected challenge. Our filming locations were primarily in South Africa and London, with some scenes shot in Paris. Shooting in different time zones and continents posed challenges, but it also presented incredible opportunities. It allowed us to truly experience and capture the essence of these places. Unlike using Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal as stand-ins for various cities in the world, being in the actual location reveals authentic details that viewers subconsciously recognize as real. It creates a sense of immersion and makes you feel like you're truly there.

This was particularly important for both seasons, but even more so for season two, which had a more action-packed and fast-paced storyline. I wanted the audience to feel fully immersed in the events unfolding and have a visceral experience. This includes feeling like you're really in the woods, desert, a Middle Eastern town, London, or even a post-apocalyptic version of Paris.

It sounds like there was a different phase of COVID you were having to navigate through in each location of Invasion?

Simon Kinberg: Yes, it has a significant impact on every aspect. The crew, understandably, faced shutdowns in certain countries due to safety concerns. Additionally, the current phase requires actors to maintain a seven-foot distance from one another, making it difficult to create realistic crowd scenes. Trying to depict a genuine crowd becomes challenging when everyone either has to wear masks or stand apart. There were various obstacles to overcome, and I must mention that the crew, including directors and even the PAs, displayed tremendous bravery. It may sound trivial, but we were working amidst a mysterious and highly terrifying situation every day.

Speaking of another major franchise you've been involved in, can you reveal any tidbits about Deadpool 3 without violating any non-disclosure agreements?

Simon Kinberg expressed that he cannot disclose any specific details about Deadpool 3 due to non-disclosure agreements. However, he did mention that the individuals primarily responsible for Deadpool 3 are Ryan Reynolds, Shaw Levy, and Kevin Feige. Kinberg, drawing from his own experience, emphasized that Ryan Reynolds truly comprehends the essence of the Deadpool character, with Rob Liefeld being the only other individual who possesses a similar understanding. Kinberg praised Reynolds for his multifaceted talents as a performer, producer, filmmaker, and driving force behind the Deadpool films. He expressed confidence that Reynolds' creative vision will be upheld in any future Deadpool movies. Additionally, Kinberg highlighted his longstanding friendship with Shawn Levy, who shares an exceptional personal and professional rapport with Reynolds. With Levy's involvement, along with the track record of Kevin Feige as an incredibly successful producer, Kinberg eagerly anticipates the remarkable outcome of their collective efforts in Deadpool 3.

About Invasion Season 2

Academy Award-nominated and two-time Emmy Award-nominated producer Simon Kinberg teams up with David Weil for "Invasion," an epic, character-driven science fiction drama series that takes viewers on a global journey through an alien invasion. Spanning continents, the show features an ensemble cast including Shamier Anderson, Golshifteh Farahani, Sam Neill, Firas Nassar, and Shioli Kutsuna.

The thrilling second season of "Invasion" picks up several months later, with the aliens intensifying their attacks in a full-scale war against humanity. Returning cast members include Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson, India Brown, Billy Barratt, Azhy Robertson, Paddy Holland, and Tara Moayedi. Season two welcomes new series regulars Enver Gjokaj, Nedra Marie Taylor, and Naian González Norvind.

Check out our other Invasion interviews below:

Visual effects supervisor Erik Henry

Director Alik Sakharov

Invasion seasons 1 and 2 are currently available to stream on Apple TV+.

Editor's P/S

Invasion Season 2: A Thrilling Exploration of Global Narratives

The second season of Invasion takes viewers on a captivating journey as it delves deeper into the intricate details of the alien invasion. Co-creator Simon Kinberg masterfully weaves together diverse elements such as language, portals, and the invaders' motivations, resulting in an epic tale of human survival. The diverse and international cast of characters adds depth and authenticity to the story, setting it apart from other alien invasion narratives.

The decision to film Invasion season 2 in multiple foreign settings, while presenting logistical challenges, has resulted in a truly immersive viewing experience. The show's commitment to portraying the global impact of the invasion enhances its realism and relatability. Overall, Invasion season 2 is a testament to the power of collaborative storytelling and the potential of science fiction to explore complex themes and captivate audiences worldwide.