Invasion Season 2 Finale: Simon Kinberg's Insights on Season 3 and the Fate of [SPOILER]

Editor's note: This interview contains spoilers for the Season 2 finale of Invasion.

The Big Picture

Season 2 of Invasion recently came to a close with a new world being discovered.

The show's co-creator and showrunner, Simon Kinberg, hinted at a major character's fate.

Kinberg also discussed the creative freedom of working on original science fiction stories for Apple TV+.

Invasion

The Apple TV+ series Invasion, starring Golshifteh Farahani, Shamier Anderson, Billy Barratt, and Shioli Kutsuna, was released on October 22, 2021. Initially, the show focused on the lives of its ensemble cast spread across the globe, rather than immediately diving into the promised alien invasion. However, in its second season, the sci-fi drama series transformed itself, expanding its scope and potentially setting the stage for a new world in future episodes. While many unanswered questions remain, we spoke to co-creator and showrunner Simon Kinberg about the changes in the latest season, potential developments in Season 3, and the fate of a crucial character.

Our website: After experiencing such a grand finale, it feels like entering a completely different world. Do you take a moment to relax and recharge, or is your mind already filled with thoughts of the next adventure?

SIMON KINBERG: My mind is always in a state of constant racing. It can be seen as a gift, but also a curse. I don't get much sleep, which helps me be productive but may not be the healthiest. That being said, I was very satisfied with season two. I had a clear vision for its atmosphere, energy, and overall feel. We had incredible directors and the actors delivered outstanding performances. Additionally, the visual effects team exceeded expectations and created stunning visuals. So yes, there was a moment of rest for me once we finished the season entirely. Producing a season of television is a larger endeavor compared to the big movies I've worked on in the past. It simply takes more time due to the extensive shooting schedule. It's like working on five films consecutively. However, we were already deep into the writers' room for Season 3 while completing post-production for Season 2.

You're already immersed in it, already in motion.

KINBERG: Yeah, we were fully immersed in it before the writers strike occurred. Fortunately, the strike has now ended and we have seamlessly resumed our work, eagerly anticipating Season 3.

I am intrigued by the visual effects component as it unveils a whole new dimension that is both captivating and intimidating in its vastness, as you mentioned. Can you shed some light on what lies beyond? We caught a glimpse of it when Casper ventured there, but what more can you share about what he may discover?

KINBERG: In that alternate dimension, which serves as the aliens' mothership, there exists a myriad of undiscovered life forms that we have not encountered in the series. These beings lie in wait, possessing the ability to greatly impact human existence. We have caught glimpses of this through individuals who were abducted, only to return with transformed consciousness. However, as the characters venture closer to the light within the ship, the effects on human life will become more intense and profound. We have numerous concepts regarding the happenings within the ship and how they influence our familiar world.

Speaking of the central characters, there are still fans who hold a deep affection for Sam Neill's character since the beginning of the show. While I am unsure if it is a possibility, it raises the question of whether he could make a return, albeit not as his former self. Has this idea ever crossed your mind?

KINBERG: It did cross my mind, the idea of casting Sam, who is a much more established and bigger star compared to our other actors. The intention was to create a shock factor, where people would think, "Oh, this is going to be a Sam Neill show." But then, it turns out that it's not. In our show, anyone could die, including these actors whom I'm not as familiar with. So now, I have to get to know them more. In the world of TV, anything is possible, and that's what makes it fun as a writer. There's so much freedom to explore, experiment, surprise ourselves, and be surprised. One thing I truly enjoy is working in a writers' room. It's something I didn't experience much in feature films, where you usually work with one writer at a time. But in TV, you get to bounce around ideas with five or even seven writers. That's why I say anything is possible. When I started conceiving Season 2, I was taken aback by the ideas that emerged, including some of my own and many that came from the writers' room.

Image via Apple TV+

When discussing the topic of creative freedom, there is an intriguing dynamic happening within the realm of Apple TV, science fiction, and streaming. When I reflect on shows like Foundation, Silo, and For All Mankind, I can't help but wonder what it's like for those involved in the production. While outsiders may see Apple TV as a platform for original and innovative science fiction, I'm curious to know how it feels for the creators and their prospects for Season 3.

KINBERG: Absolutely, I agree. I would also add Severance to that mix, albeit in a different manner. Although it possesses a distinct style of science fiction, it still incorporates elements of the genre. I'm not sure if Apple has a specific strategy, but it's undeniable that their science fiction shows perform exceptionally well. Our second season had a significantly larger audience than the first, and I believe this can be attributed in part to the success and popularity of Silo and Foundation. As Foundation continued to grow, becoming Apple's most successful drama season to date, I, along with David Goyer and other creators who have experience across various mediums, found a unique sense of creative freedom in big-budget science fiction storytelling. Often when working within an established intellectual property, there are certain expectations from the audience. However, with original content at Apple, they wholeheartedly believe in and support our vision, allowing us to truly explore uncharted territory. In the case of Invasion, for example, the first season was more brooding and focused on drama, while incorporating elements of science fiction and mystery. It wasn't until the second season that they allowed us to truly unleash our creativity and venture into wild and unconventional storytelling. This freedom has resulted in the emergence of fresh narratives and captivating characters.

I really hope that this conversation doesn't turn sad if it doesn't continue because I genuinely want it to. When you mentioned how Season 1 had a brooding and slower episodic storyline, and Season 2 brought the characters together, was that always the plan? It almost gives the impression that Season 1 served as a prologue.

KINBERG: Absolutely. I discussed it internally with Apple and the creative team, and now externally. Season 1 was meant to be the calm before the storm, and Season 2 was the storm hitting. In my mind, Season 1 was like a day one experience, and Season 2 delved into a reality consumed by an invasion months later. Season 1 had these separate stories without a clear explanation, other than wanting to showcase a global perspective. Season 2 would start connecting these threads and provide a satisfying payoff. Having worked extensively in films, my storytelling instincts were more attuned to cinema. So, referring to it as a prologue is apt. I envisioned Season 1 as Act 1 of a movie, and Season 2 as the beginning of Act 2. The escalation is a natural progression in cinematic storytelling, and I was adapting to the unique rhythms of television as I learned how to tell a story in that medium.

Image via Apple TV+

When you mention that this is like the start of Act 2, is it still your hope that it's a four-season arc? I had been reading that was part of your plan.

KINBERG: Yeah, it no longer adheres to traditional movie storytelling. However, storytelling still follows a three-act structure, with the second act being twice as long as the first, and the third act being the same length as the first. So, it naturally falls into a four-quadrant storytelling pattern. But beyond that, the way I envision the show and how it continues to develop, it maintains a four-season arc.

Without referencing movies further, I recall you mentioning Arrival in the New York Times, where there are science fiction battles and spectacle, but there's also a deeper, metaphysical, existential aspect that you explore. I'm curious to know where you see that aspect going.

KINBERG: The metaphysical part of the character part?

I think they're intertwined, so I'll say both.

KINBERG: It's fascinating how science fiction and religion both contain profound mysteries that we cling onto out of hope. The vastness of the universe cannot be fully explained by science alone, leaving room for metaphysical and personal elements to intertwine, much like in religion. Similar to religious beliefs, science fiction explores concepts of consciousness, hope, identity, and the purpose of our existence. It also delves into profound questions about the possibility of extraterrestrial life and what that life might entail. I find it intriguing how fans of science fiction, whether it be in the form of comic books, Star Wars, or Star Trek, treat these stories with a devotion often seen in religious followers.

Are there any particular science fiction religions that you personally identify with?

KINBERG: Star Wars holds a significant place in my life. As someone who grew up Jewish and continues to identify as Jewish, Star Wars was a central part of my childhood. I often ponder about the lack of a specific term like "Trekkie" for Star Wars fans. Perhaps Pablo Hidalgo, a renowned Lucasfilm staff member and ultimate Star Wars expert, could shed some light on this. He is truly an invaluable resource. Nevertheless, Star Wars will always hold a special place in my heart.

Image via Apple TV+

Do we know how Mitsuki is doing at the end of this season? Will she reappear in the next season and still be the same?

All episodes of Invasion are now available to stream on Apple TV+ in the U.S.