Altered Carbon season 2 has been given the go-ahead by Netflix. The streaming service debuted the first season of the ambitious sci-fi series, which is based on the classic novels by author Richard K. Morgan, six months ago and had yet to make any announcement regarding a sophomore season. Indeed, we'll see the return of the lead character Takeshi Kovacs, but with one very major change.

Joel Kinnaman (Suicide Squad) played the part of Takeshi Kovacs during the events of season 1. Netflix has announced that Anthony Mackie (Avengers: Infinity War) will be taking over the part for the show's second season. For those unfamiliar with the show or the books, this has nothing to do with the company wanting to be rid of Kinnaman. In the world of Altered Carbon, the journey of Takeshi Kovacs spans hundreds of years, many different bodies, and planets. In season 2, Mackie will be the new embodiment of Kovacs.

Even though it was always built into the story that Kovacs would be played by a new actor in season 2, it's hard not to see this as an upgrade in many ways. For one, Anthony Mackie, even outside of his work in Marvel, in projects like The Hurt Locker, Detroit and All The Way has proven himself to be a terrific actor. That said, having a guy who just appeared in Infinity War, one of the biggest movies of all time, certainly doesn't hurt anything. As for Kinnaman, he's moved on to star in Hanna for Amazon and is set to return for Suicide Squad 2, once that gets going.

Altered Carbon season 1 takes place in the distant future where human consciousness can be digitized and downloaded into different bodies. Brought back to life after 250 years by Laurens Bancroft, the richest man on Earth, ex-Envoy soldier Takeshi Kovacs must solve Bancroft's attempted murder for the chance to live again in a world he doesn't recognize. The whole digitizing of the human consciousness concept is what will allow for season 2 to make such a dramatic shift.

Laeta Kalogridis will return as co-showrunner and executive producer for Altered Carbon season 2. Alison Schapker joins the series as co-showrunner and will also serve as an executive producer. David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Marcy Ross will executive produce for Skydance, who produces the show for Netflix. James Middleton, known for his work on the Terminator franchise, specifically, The Sarah Connor Chronicles, will serve as an executive producer.

Anthony Mackie will be seen once again as Falcon/Sam Wilson in next summer's Avengers 4, which has been undergoing some reshoots as of late. It's not yet been revealed by the streaming service if any characters from season 1 will return. Altered Carbon season 2 will consist of eight episodes. Netflix streaming services have not yet announced a premiere date for the show's new season, but it likely won't be until mid to late 2019.