Upgrade Soul Podcast with Wendell Pierce, Marcia Gay Harden, Phil LaMarr, Abi Monterey, David Dastmalchian, Lorena Diaz, full cast cover art

Upgrade Soul
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Upgrade Soul

By: Ezra Claytan Daniels
Narrated by: Wendell Pierce, Marcia Gay Harden, Phil LaMarr, Abi Monterey, David Dastmalchian, Lorena Diaz, full cast
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About this listen

All episodes of this Audible Original will be available November 3.

For their 45th anniversary, wealthy science buffs Hank and Molly Nonnar decide to fund an experimental rejuvenation procedure, with only one condition: that they be the first subjects.

The fact is Hank and Molly are getting old, and the new procedure, called Upgrade Cell, seems to be just what they’re looking for. It’s a novel gene therapy that’s supposed to increase its recipients’ lifespans and enhance their intelligence.

But Molly and Hank’s procedure goes horribly wrong. Instead of becoming younger and healthier, they are left with severely disfigured though intellectually and physically superior clones of themselves. And a psychological battle of moral fortitude begins.

Upgrade Soul is an audio-drama adaptation of the critically acclaimed science fiction graphic novel by author Ezra Claytan Daniels. Wendell Pierce (Suits, Jack Ryan) stars as Hank alongside Marcia Gay Harden (Uncoupled, So He Told Me) as Molly. Upgrade Soul effortlessly weaves a story of transhumanism, horror, suspense, moral and ethical dilemmas, love, and betrayal into one epically thrilling tale.

Are the newer, better versions of Hank and Molly still them? Or something far worse?

©2022 Ezra Claytan Daniels (P)2022 Audible Originals, LLC Genetic Engineering Science Fiction
Episodes
  • Trailer

    Trailer
    Oct 25 2022
    For their 45th anniversary, wealthy science buffs Hank and Molly Nonnar decide to fund an experimental rejuvenation procedure, with only one condition: that they be the first subjects. The fact is Hank and Molly are getting old, and the new procedure, called Upgrade Cell, seems to be just what they’re looking for. It’s a novel gene therapy that’s supposed to increase its recipients’ lifespans and enhance their intelligence. But Molly and Hank’s procedure goes horribly wrong. Instead of becoming younger and healthier, they are left with severely disfigured, though intellectually and physically superior clones of themselves. And a psychological battle of moral fortitude begins. Upgrade Soul is an audio-drama adaptation of the critically-acclaimed science fiction graphic novel by author Ezra Claytan Daniels. Wendell Pierce (Suits, Jack Ryan) stars as Hank alongside Marcia Gay Harden (Uncoupled, So He Told Me) as Molly. Upgrade Soul effortlessly weaves a story of transhumanism, horror, suspense, moral and ethical dilemmas, love, and betrayal into one epically thrilling tale. Are the newer, better versions of Hank and Molly still them? Or something far worse?
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    1 min
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  • EPISODE 1 Risk Appetite

    EPISODE 1 Risk Appetite
    Nov 3 2022
    Wealthy retirees Hank and Molly are early investors in an experimental gene therapy technology. When their confidence in the project wains, its mastermind, Kenton, reveals a shocking—and thoroughly reinvigorating—secret.
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    31 mins
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  • EPISODE 2 Proof of Concept

    EPISODE 2 Proof of Concept
    Nov 3 2022
    Hank and Molly witness firsthand how far off the rails things are when they insist on being Kenton’s first human test subjects. Meanwhile Kenton’s younger sister Lina—for whom the technology was originally developed—grapples with being pushed aside.
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    36 mins
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All stars
Most relevant  
Great premise, believable acting and immersive soundscape. It is fast paced enough to keep one engaged. The moral subtexts around inclusivity, gender equality and ableism felt at times a tad forced, but overall it didn't detract from the experience and enduring story.

The animal cruelty is gut wrenching and graphic - but not gratuitous and takes the listener on the journey.

Engaging and immersive

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This should blow up as it's such a good story, performance and listen. Highly recommended.

Hidden Gem!

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The story and idea is great, but building up on that is another thing. You quickly get distracted, also the introduction of new characters is confusing, at some points I completely lost who us talking to who.

It starts good but..

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a bit lacking in substance
i finished it but wouldn't recommend it
mainly a character based story

not much to it

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Dialogue was incredibly stilted and hammy. Surprisingly poorly acted considering the quality of the actors. Perhaps they aren't used to voice-only work. The story had an engaging premise, but I couldn't make it through to the end. Gave up after 3 poorly scripted episodes.

Poorly written, without subtlety or insight

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I like lots of the audible dramas but this just lacked a deeper story and engagement within that story.
It may suit some people but I found it just plodded along.

Not for me

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