Recode Decode: 'Mr. Robot' creator Sam Esmail

Initial Conception

Sam Esmail shares the serendipitous journey of creating 'Mr. Robot,' initially conceived as a feature film. He explains how the script's length led to its transformation into a TV series, with USA Network seeking innovative content during a pivotal time in television 1. Esmail's inspiration stemmed from a desire to authentically portray hacker culture, a vision he had since his teenage years 1. He reflects on his early frustrations with Hollywood's lack of originality, which motivated him to write scripts that challenged industry norms 2.

   

Storytelling Approach

Esmail's storytelling approach in 'Mr. Robot' breaks away from traditional TV formulas, favoring a long-form narrative that spans multiple seasons. He criticizes the repetitive nature of procedural shows and expresses his preference for a singular, cohesive story that evolves over time 3. Esmail envisions a future where storytelling transcends mediums, integrating experiences across platforms like VR and interactive media 4. He appreciates the community aspect of weekly releases, reminiscent of the shared experiences he had with shows like 'Lost':

I remember when I used to watch lost, and lost, you know, was a show that. And this is. This is what I think true interactive entertainment is.

--- Sam Esmail

This approach fosters deeper engagement and discussion among audiences.

   

Casting Choices

The casting process for 'Mr. Robot' was pivotal, with Sam Esmail emphasizing the importance of finding actors who could bring depth to complex characters. Christian Slater was chosen for his intuitive understanding of the show's secrets, making him the perfect fit for the role of Mr. Robot 5. Rami Malek6. Esmail highlights Malek's effortless ability to portray a troubled yet relatable protagonist:

He added the warmth. The thing that I kept fearing about the whole, like, you know, look, a guy who's gonna rant and rave about society and how it needs to change, and that's. That could easily.

--- Sam Esmail

This casting choice allowed for a more nuanced and layered storytelling experience.