Watch Sean Penn Launch Into Space In The Trailer For Hulu’s ‘The First’

Hulu has released a teaser trailer for The First, an astronaut drama starring Sean Penn and Designated Survivor‘s Natascha McElhone. The series follows the first attempt to place a man on Mars, and it uses this story as a framework to explore the relationships among the astronauts, the ground team on Earth, and their families. But that’s not all: if the trailer is any indication, The First will also feature some Westworld-like philosophical musings about the insignificance of humanity and the grand scope of the universe. You know, just your usual science fiction fare.

Throughout the teaser, Penn’s voice plays over clips of Earth from space, eclipses, and images of the vast galaxy. As Penn’s character, Tom Hagerty, gets ready for his trip into space, he begins musing about how small humans really are compared to the world he’s about to explore. “I always think of Sagan’s words,” Penn says, referencing Pale Blue Dot author Carl Sagan. “Every human being that ever was lived out their lives on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.” The music swells! A space shuttle blasts off! Penn’s character stares at the ceiling contemplating human existence! Hulu is really leaning into the whole astronaut thing with The First, and the teaser trailer refuses to let you forget it.

In addition to Penn, the teaser gives fans a first look at McElhone’s character Laz Ingram, a member of the team funding the Mars mission. The Looming Tower star Bill Camp is also featured in the trailer in what looks to be some kind of control room role.

The First comes from House of Cards creator Beau Willimon, so we’re hopeful that this will end up being more than just some expensive-looking shots of space. No show weaves together interpersonal drama and high-stakes situations quite like House of Cards (especially the first few seasons); if Willimon can bring the Netflix series’ charm over to Hulu, The First has the potential to become a game-changing sci-fi series.

The First premieres on Hulu on Friday, September 14.