This article is part of a directory: Beacon 23 Season 2: Release Date, Trailer & Everything We Know

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Lena Headey Sci-Fi Show Beacon 23 Renewed For Season 2

The article contains some spoilers for Beacon 23 season 2, episode 1, "Godspeed."

Summary

  • Stephan James hints at the real impact of losing a lead character, as Aster's spirit still lingers.
  • Aster is confirmed to have died in the season 2 premiere.
  • It's unclear whether Lena Headey, who played Aster, will make any additional appearance via flashback or a dream sequence.

Beacon 23 star Stephan James is explaining Aster’s fate in season 2. The science fiction series, based on Hugh Howey’s short stories, premiered on MGM+ in 2023. It follows Aster Calyx (played by Game of Thrones' Lena Headey) and Halan Kai Nelson (James) on board Beacon 23, a lighthouse used for guiding ships through outer space. Despite early apprehension, regarding the death of Solomon (Stephen Root) and Aster’s search for mysterious rocks, the characters became close. However, Aster appeared to die in the Beacon 23 season 1 finale, resulting in questions about Headey’s potential involvement moving forward.

During a recent interview with The Wrap, James revealed how Aster’s fate will impact Beacon 23 season 2. Although her death was confirmed, James explained that Aster’s presence can be felt in the remaining episodes. Read his full quote below:

"Aster’s spirit, the spirit of what Lena Headey created in the first season, it really looms throughout the second season. In a really, really cool way, the audience is able to have a necessary closure with Aster. For me, it was definitely sort of a spiritual experience, just going through the throes of some of those moments without her."

How Aster's Death Affects Beacon 23 Season 2

Halan Will Have To Cope With Losing Aster In Season 2.

It's hard to imagine a series losing one of its lead characters, but James' comments suggest that Aster's death is real.

Considering that she and Halan planned their future beyond the beacon, what happened to Aster was shocking. Partway through the season 1 finale, she bargained with Milan Aleph (Eric Lange) to protect Halan. Meanwhile, Keir (Marc Menchaca) sought to convince her that AI was untrustworthy and to share the artifact's message with him. Angered by Aster's decision, Keir launched her into a metal railing, causing her head to bleed. The Beacon 23 season 2 premiere saw an emotional Halan tending to Headey's character before she was pronounced dead.

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Following Aster's death, Halan and Harmony (Natasha Mumba) struggled with feelings of resentment and guilt. Because Aleph is punishing The Column and abandoning Halan on Beacon 23, it appears his resolve will be tested, more so than ever. Given Aster's importance, especially as the show progressed, it's worth wondering whether the sophomore season will find ways to incorporate her character again, or introduce a new face along the way — potentially someone else for Halan to team up with.

It's hard to imagine a series losing one of its lead characters, but James' comments suggest that Aster's death is real. As Beacon 23 season 2 continues, it will be interesting to see if Headey returns for any flashbacks/dream sequences, and how Halan copes with her absence now that he's by himself.

New episodes of Beacon 23 release on Sundays on MGM+.

Source: The Wrap