USA to Premiere New Hacker Drama 'Mr. Robot' at SXSW on March 17

Christian Slater stars in Mr. Robot.

USA Network will screen the world premiere of the new psychological thriller Mr. Robot at the SXSW Film Festival on Tuesday, March 17 at 1:00pm at the Vimeo Theater, followed by a Q&A and panel discussion featuring the cast and executive producer Sam Esmail (Comet). The series, which stars Rami Malek and Christian Slater, was selected as one of five shows for the festival's prestigious "Episodics" screening category, now in its second year.

In partnership with SXSW, the network will create custom beacon alerts rewarding consumers with free food and drinks, courtesy of "Mr. Robot." Through Tuesday, March 17, festival-goers will be able to opt in to the official SXSW beacon network to receive push notifications alerting them to visit participating venues; giving attendees a sense that Mr. Robot is watching their activity and helping them "hack" SXSW. Locations include: Stephen F's Bar & Terrace, Hideout Coffeehouse, Vimeo Theater and participating SouthBites food trucks.

Throughout the festival, USA is delplying brand ambassadors dressed as "hackers," wearing all black and Mr. Robot style hoodies. During the activation, they will hand out "White" and "Black" cards to the crowds. The white cards will guide attendees to open the SXSW app to receive push notifications from Mr. Robot. White cards also serve as a platform for social amplification, as selfies taken with a Mr. Robot "operative" and #MrRobot, earn participants a black card. Black cards are $10 vouchers redeemable at participating SouthBites food trucks, the Intercontinental Terrance Bar & the Hideout Cafe.

Mr. Robot, premiering June 2015, follows Elliot (Rami Malek, 24), a young programmer who works as a cyber-security engineer by day and as a vigilante hacker by night. Elliot finds himself at a crossroads when the mysterious leader (Christian Slater, Adderall Diaries) of an underground hacker group recruits him to destroy the firm he is paid to protect. Compelled by his personal beliefs, Elliot struggles to resist the chance to take down the multinational CEOs he believes are running (and ruining) the world. The series also stars Portia Doubleday (Her), Carly Chaikin (Suburgatory) and Martin Wallström (Simple Simon).

From Universal Cable Productions, this contemporary and culturally resonant drama is executive produced by Esmail and Anonymous Content's Steve Golin (True Detective) and Chad Hamilton (Breakup at a Wedding).

USA Picks Up Hacker Drama 'Mr. Robot'

USA Network has announced its first series pick-up from its existing pilot slate for the 2015-2016 season with a 10-episode order for Mr. Robot (working title). The intense hacker drama from Universal Cable Productions is from writer and executive producer Sam Esmail (Comet) and executive producers Anonymous Content's Steve Golin (True Detective) and Chad Hamilton (Breakup at a Wedding). The series stars Rami Malek (24), Christian Slater (The Adderall Diaries), Portia Doubleday (Her), Carly Chaikin (Suburgatory) and Martin Wallstrom (Simple Simon). The pilot was directed by Niels Arden Oplev (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). The series will shoot in New York.

"Mr. Robot could not be more timely and relevant," said Chris McCumber, President of USA Network. "The creative team behind this series has done a brilliant job, taking viewers on a wild ride that leaves them wanting more. Rami gives a masterful performance as a hacker and unlikely hero, alongside Christian, who is perfectly cast as Mr. Robot."

Christian Slater Joins USA's 'Mr. Robot' In Title Role

Christian Slater (Nymphomaniac, Adderall Diaries) has been cast in the title role of USA Network's cyber-crime pilot Mr. Robot. Mr. Robot is a mysterious anarchist who recruits Elliot (Rami Malek) into an underground hacker organization intent on bringing down corporate America.

The series also stars Rami Malek (24), Portia Doubleday (Her), Carly Chaikin (Suburgatory) and Martin Wallström (Simple Simon).