Anna Maxwell Martin has given fans a glimpse into her new role in Apple TV+ series Star City, a prequel to For All Mankind. The actress plays Colonel Lyudmilla Raskova, a ruthless KGB handler, but has hinted at a more vulnerable side to the character.
Speaking exclusively to Radio Times, Martin described her character as initially appearing like an 'automaton' but teased that viewers will see 'a slither of humanity' emerge. 'We do see a bit later on that there's a bit of secret sadness to Lyudmilla,' she revealed.
The series, set in the 1970s, imagines an alternate history where the Soviet Union won the space race. It follows cosmonauts, engineers, and intelligence officers in the secretive Star City facility. Martin's character oversees the KGB's surveillance unit, listening in on key figures.
To prepare for the role, Martin studied KGB culture and life in a communist society. She also drew inspiration from her Motherland co-star Lucy Punch, noting the challenge of playing a 'high status' character who must be 'really clear and really specific' in every line.
Martin, known for her comedy role in Motherland, said playing a 'terrible person' was 'good fun'. She added that unlike her chaotic Motherland character Julia, Lyudmilla requires intense concentration to maintain authority.
