Christopher Eccleston will join Harry Treadaway in an audio drama based on the classic novel.

Walter Tevis’ 1963 novel The Man Who Fell To Earth famously inspired the 1976 movie starring David Bowie. More recently, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Bill Nighy and Naomie Harris starred in a modern television adaptation for Showtime.

Now, the Radio Times reports that the story is getting a BBC radio adaptation. Harry Treadaway (Penny Dreadful) will voice the role of the alien, with Christopher Eccleston as scientist Nathan Bryce and Laura Aikman (Archie) playing Betty-Jo.

Here’s the synopsis:

“The alien known as Thomas Newton arrives in Kentucky with a very specific mission. His plan is to use his race’s advanced technology to make millions and then build a spaceship to bring the last of his people to live on Earth. But Newton begins to doubt his purpose and finds himself unable to cope with the emotional weight of being human. He finds solace with two fellow outsiders – cheery functioning alcoholic Betty-Jo, who falls quietly in love with him, and widowed scientist Nathan Bryce, who tracks him down after recognising his tech as impossible. Little do they realise that the Government is watching.”

The cast also includes Stuart Milligan, Glen McCready, Ako Mitchell, André Refig, Fiona Sheehan and Alix Dunmore.

Writer Stephen Keyworth, who also brought The Princess Bride to Radio 4 in 2021, adapts the story.

The Man Who Fell To Earth airs on BBC Radio 4 on Sunday 12th May at 3pm.