It has been announced that Netflix have picked up the movie adaptation of the debut novel from Richard Osman, The Thursday Murder Club. The film rights to the book were originally acquired by Steven Spielberg in 2020.
However, since then, several personnel and scheduling changes have occurred, meaning that Netflix will be releasing the film, with it being directed by Chris Columbus, previously known for Home Alone and Harry Potter.
The Thursday Murder Club, written by the former host of Pointless, focuses on a group of four pensioners who investigate the death of a property developer. Casting details have also emerged with the likes of Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley and Pierce Brosnan taking on the roles of Elizabeth, Ibrahim and Ron, respectively.
As of yet, there is no actor assigned to play the role of Joyce, although with production set to go ahead in August this year, it shouldn’t be too long before the fourth and final main cast member is announced.
Netflix have been busy with Osman, because he has also revealed that the streaming service have also acquired the rights to his next novel – We Solve Murders, which is said to be of interest to fans of his debut.
In a statement, Osman spoke of his joy at getting his debut book on screen at Netflix. “I’m so proud of this book,” the presenter and author said, “so it is a dream to see The Thursday Murder Club in such incredible hands. From Chris Columbus, to Amblin to Netflix, there are geniuses everywhere I look. And what a cast. I’m pinching myself.”
Elsewhere, he had spoken of his next novel and how it will also be heading to Netflix at some point. “We Solve Murders is the name of the book,” Osman said. “It’s out in September, it’s a brand new series. Netflix have bought the rights to [it] which is great, so it could be a busy few years – unless everyone reads [it] and says, ‘This is not for us’.”
Since the release of The Thursday Murder Club, Osman has released a further four bestsellers, including The Man Who Died Twice, The Bullet That Missed, The Last Devil to Die.
