Deeper underground

Subterranea creator Brian Munene introduces DQ to this groundbreaking Showmax sci-fi series and explains why the story will resonate beyond its Kenyan setting.

Showmax series Subterranea is described as the first ever sci-fi drama series from Kenya.

Produced for the African streaming platform by Nairobi-based Kibanda Pictures and distributed by MultiChoice Studios, the series follows eight people who suddenly find themselves trapped in a claustrophobic underground bunker after a global catastrophe while they’re taking part in an experiment.

It is directed by Likarion Wainaina (Supa Modo), and features a cast including Melvin Alusa, Melissa Kiplagat, Makena Kahuha, Biko Nyongesa, Foi Wambui, Pauline Komu, Peter Kawa, Dadson Gakenga, Nice Githinji and Chintu Chudasama.

Here, series creator Brian Munene (County 49, Crime & Justice) tells DQ six things we need to know about the show, from the “rigorous” casting process to its colour-coded visual style.

1. The story
Subterranea follows the journey of eight individuals from diverse Kenyan backgrounds, trapped together in a high-tech underground bunker. The series delves into themes of survival, human resilience and unity as the characters navigate the challenges of isolation, distrust and their inner struggles. As they face physical and psychological obstacles, the show explores the question: who are we when we are stripped of our social, tribal and political identities? While sci-fi elements enhance the suspense, at its core, Subterranea is a human drama that interrogates our bonds, vulnerabilities and hidden strengths.
The concept of Subterranea was born out of an initial idea to create a Kenyan space odyssey. However, after realising the project’s scale was too ambitious and expensive, I decided to flip the story. Instead of outer space, I asked myself: what’s the opposite of space? That’s how the idea of setting the series in an underground bunker came to life. This shift allowed me to tell a grounded, character-driven story with the same essential exploration of identity, resilience and unity, but in a more feasible setting.

2. The casting
Casting for Subterranea was a rigorous process. We needed actors who could not only portray the complex emotional dynamics but also fit specific character profiles. The cast features a blend of industry veterans and fresh talent, and each was chosen for their ability to embody the essence of their roles. The diversity in backgrounds and acting experience among the cast members mirrors the diversity within the story itself, making the characters feel real and relatable.
We were looking for actors with strong emotional depth, unique performances and the ability to capture their characters’ internal struggles. In a series like Subterranea, where much of the tension is psychological, we needed actors who could convey intensity, vulnerability and strength in subtle ways. Each cast member brought something unique to their role and they were absolutely the right fit to bring the story to life.

3. The locations
Subterranea was filmed in a custom-built set that replicated the bunker. We initially scouted for locations, but nothing came close to the vision we had for the series. The bunker itself is a critical part of the story, almost like a character in its own right, so we built it from scratch at Studio Four, located at the MultiChoice Kenya offices. It was the first one-story set built in Kenya, designed by a talented architect and brought to life by skilled builders and production designers.
The bunker’s design played a key role in shaping the claustrophobic, high-stakes atmosphere of the series. The confined space forces the characters to confront their fears and each other, enhancing the intensity of the story. The architecture, lighting and layout of the set were all designed to reflect the psychological tension and the characters’ emotional journeys, making the setting integral to the tone of the show.

4. The writing process
The writing process for Subterranea began with a single outline that I wrote, and was developed further in collaboration with a writers room of eight talented minds, each bringing different perspectives. We drew from real-life events, personal experiences and stories from friends and family to make the characters feel authentic. We also had a medical expert on board to ensure accuracy in some of the more technical aspects of the story.
To ensure the sci-fi elements remained grounded, we focused on how scientific concepts impact human psychology. The series doesn’t rely on futuristic gadgets like laser guns or spaceships. Instead, it explores the mental and emotional toll of survival and the psychological impact of being trapped underground. These are experiences and emotions audiences can relate to, even within a sci-fi framework.

5. The visual style
The visual style of Subterranea is heavily influenced by colour. Each character is colour-coded, and we used specific colour schemes to highlight shifts in tone, mood and tension throughout the series. The confined, claustrophobic setting of the bunker was complemented by lighting and colour choices that heightened the sense of emotional intensity and urgency.
The works of US producer A24, such as drama series Euphoria, inspired the visual style with their masterful use of colour and lighting to amplify emotions. The use of colour in Subterranea is symbolic, reflecting the characters’ emotional arcs and the changing dynamics within the group. Each visual element was carefully chosen to enhance the storytelling and draw viewers deeper into the world of the bunker.
The colour shifts throughout the series reflect the characters’ psychological journeys and the evolving group dynamics. As tensions rise and relationships become more strained, the series’ visual tone becomes darker and more intense, mirroring the internal and external conflicts that drive the story forward.

6. Challenges and rewards
One of the biggest challenges was building the set and ensuring it matched our vision. It needed to feel real, claustrophobic and immersive, and constructing it to those exacting standards was a monumental task. Time constraints and budget limitations also added pressure, but the team’s hard work paid off in the end.
Seeing the cast fully inhabit the set and bring the characters to life was incredibly rewarding. After months of planning, writing and building, the moment when it all came together was magical. The camaraderie among the cast and crew and their dedication to the project was also a highlight. We set out to create something special, and witnessing that vision materialise was a proud moment for everyone involved.
I hope audiences walk away from Subterranea with a deeper appreciation for human resilience and unity. The characters’ journeys reflect issues that resonate with Kenyans, such as mental health, family and the impact of broken institutions. Above all, I hope viewers will see that, no matter how dire the circumstances, there’s always room for hope and that unity can emerge in the face of adversity.

tagged in: Brian Munene, Kibanda Pictures, MultiChoice Studios, Showmax, Subterranea