Exploring Apple TV’s ‘Star City’ with Rhys Ifans and creators

“Star City,” the newest offering from Apple TV, takes viewers inside the mysterious world of the Soviet space program during the Cold War. Set near Moscow, this super-secret town called Star City was where cosmonauts and their families lived and worked under intense control. Rhys Ifans, known for his role in “House of the Dragon,” portrays the Soviet space program’s Chief Designer in this series.

Based on the real-life father of the Soviet space program, Sergei Korolev, “Star City” explores an alternate history where he is still alive and leading the charge to the moon. We had the chance to chat with Rhys Ifans and the show’s co-creators, Ben Nedivi and Matt Wolpert, to dive deeper into the inspiration behind this gripping 8-episode show.

Ifans shared his excitement about playing a character with obstacles, highlighting how the characters in “Star City” face challenges every day in a hostile environment. The show is a testament to resilience and navigating ethical dilemmas in a morally complex world.

For Nedivi and Wolpert, the focus in “Star City” is on the element of secrecy and intelligence gathering in the Soviet Union. They aimed for accuracy, drawing inspiration from actual spycraft gadgets used during the Cold War. The show captures the pride and pressure felt by cosmonauts, illustrating the dangers they faced back on Earth, unlike the risks in space depicted in “For All Mankind.”

Stylistically, “Star City” captures the dark and controlled atmosphere of life behind the Iron Curtain, drawing inspiration from Cold War classics. With its historical backdrop and compelling characters, “Star City” offers a fascinating look into the hidden world of Soviet space exploration during a tumultuous time in history.