Nautilus: why this steampunk Amazon Prime TV series will make waves (trailer).

Gather ‘round, dear lovers of brass goggles, steam-powered submarines, and eccentric scientists, because it’s time to dive into the murky depths of Nautilus—the upcoming steampunk-ish television series that’s giving us Jules Verne on a budget (while looking amazing), but with all the style and flair of a Victorian adventure on acid.

In case you’ve been too busy hunting down Captain Nemo fan fiction (don’t pretend you weren’t), Nautilus is a reimagining of Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas, only this time, it’s got a bit more punch. Not content with simply rehashing the old “man hates humanity, builds a submarine” storyline, James Dormer decided to give us the full origin story of Captain Nemo himself. And guess what? He’s not just some gloomy guy who enjoys living underwater—he’s an Indian prince-turned-scientist. Because nothing says ‘steampunk’ like combining royalty with mind-bending technology and some good old-fashioned revenge on imperialists.

Our story kicks off with Shazad Latif in the lead role as Captain Nemo, and if you thought Star Trek: Discovery didn’t give him enough scenes brooding in dim lighting, Nautilus has got you covered. He’s surrounded by a band of merry misfits, including Georgia Flood as Humility Lucas (yes, that’s her name—welcome to steampunk, folks, where even the names are powered by steam), and Thierry Frémont as Gustave Benoit, a Frenchman who probably scowls a lot while twisting his moustache. Oh, and let’s not forget Richard E. Grant as the leader of Karajaan, because you can’t have a high-stakes steampunk drama without an aristocratic villain who oozes charisma and malice in equal measure.

As Nemo, our disgraced prince, builds the Nautilus and sets out to wage a personal war on the imperial forces that have ruined his life, expect plenty of underwater battles, daring escapes, and machinery that looks like it was pulled straight from the fevered dreams of H.G. Wells after a long night on absinthe.

Now, in a twist that’s almost as unpredictable as a Captain Nemo monologue, Disney+—the original home of Nautilus—decided to bail on this underwater epic after the series wrapped filming. Naturally, there was much gnashing of teeth and shaking of brass-clad fists. But never fear, because Amazon Prime Video swooped in, likely whispering, “Disney, what were you thinking?” and decided to bless us with the series in the UK and Ireland.

Filmed in Queensland (because where else would you shoot a show about a submarine than a place known for its surf?), Nautilus has had quite the adventure even before airing. From production delays to location changes, to the series getting passed around distributors like a hot potato, one thing is clear: Nautilus is nothing if not resilient. Much like its titular vessel.

Let’s talk about the cast, shall we? Shazad Latif takes on the daunting task of bringing a fresh spin to Captain Nemo, and honestly, between his smouldering looks and the dramatic gravitas he brings, we’re here for it. Georgia Flood’s Humility Lucas (again, that name) promises to be more than just the token love interest, which we sincerely hope because there’s nothing like a badass woman in a corset wielding a wrench in one hand and a blunderbuss in the other.

And then, of course, there’s Richard E. Grant. No stranger to playing grandiose characters, his role as the leader of Karajaan is bound to deliver those deliciously villainous one-liners that make you want to root for him—at least until Nemo floods his evil lair with seawater.

Before you go thinking this is just another cookie-cutter reboot, remember—this is steampunk, people. Expect gears, pipes, and gratuitous shots of lavish mechanical contraptions that serve no practical purpose but look fantastic. The whole aesthetic promises to be more League of Extraordinary Gentlemen than Pirates of the Caribbean, which, let’s face it, is precisely what we’ve been craving.

And while Nautilus is bound to fill the gap in your schedule for steampunk adventures on the high seas, it does leave us wondering… when will someone finally give Stephen Hunt’s Jackelian series the screen adaptation it deserves? I mean, sure, Nautilus will keep us entertained for now, but let’s not pretend we wouldn’t trade every airship and submarine for a crack at Kingdom Beyond the Waves. Because let’s face it—there’s nothing quite like underwater cities, giant robots, and a good dash of political intrigue to keep you on the edge of your seat.

So, should you tune in to Nautilus when it finally surfaces on Amazon Prime Video? Absolutely. Whether it’s the promise of a reimagined Captain Nemo or just the steampunk eye candy, this is one series that’s bound to make a splash—at least until the Jackelian adaptation comes along and steals its thunder. Until then, grab your goggles, polish your brass monocle, and get ready to dive into the murky depths of adventure, steam-powered gadgets, and villains with impeccably styled facial hair.

Nautilus: It’s the next best thing to a Jackelian airship, and for now, we’ll take it.