Sense8 is coming back for a second season – but there have been changes both in front of and behind the camera.

Toby Onwumere has replaced Aml Ameen in the role of Capheus, while series co-creator Lilly Wachowski has left sister Lana in creative control.

Lilly came out as trans in March 2016, and later opted to take a step back from writing, directing and executive producing the Netflix show.

"Lilly needed time to become who she is, and she needed to do that out of the spotlight," Sense8 actor Brian J Smith told Digital Spy.

Alberto E. Rodriguez Getty Images

[Above: Lilly Wachowski at the GLAAD Media Awards]

"We travel so much with the show, it's physically very demanding, and it's hard to miss us, because we go to all these cities and make a lot of noise!

"I think Lilly needed to be private for a while and really become herself – and so Lana wrote this whole season pretty much on her own. And she directed pretty much every single frame of the show, with a few exceptions, when her father was ill."

Murray Close/Netflix

Smith, who plays Will Gorski, said that making season two was "definitely harder" – but thinks the "challenging" experience is worth it for the final product.

"This year was a trial for a lot of us at different times, but looking back on it, I certainly can't wait to do it again, if we get to. You rarely get to have that kind of experience in life, where it just takes you to the next level."

Created by The Wachowskis with Babylon 5 creator J Michael Straczynski, Sense8 tells the story of eight strangers from around the world who share a psychic connection. Season two will debut May 5 on Netflix.

Brian J Smith stars in The Glass Menagerie, now showing at London's Duke of York's Theatre until April 29. Book tickets now.

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