Richard Osman Signals Desire for Creative Control Following ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ Adaptation Disappointment
Author Richard Osman has expressed a desire to take a more hands-on approach to future screen adaptations of his work, following the lukewarm reception of the film version of his global bestseller, The Thursday Murder Club.
The adaptation, which boasted an illustrious cast including Dame Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie, was highly anticipated by fans of the series. However, upon its release, the project faced significant criticism from both readers and critics. Many pointed to a stark departure from the source material, citing the removal of beloved characters and drastic alterations to key storylines—specifically the arc of Bogdan, the Polish handyman played by Henry Lloyd-Hughes—as reasons for the film’s inability to capture the “essence” of the books.
A Measured Response to the Adaptation
In a recent interview with The Times, Osman maintained a diplomatic stance regarding the film, which was directed by Chris Columbus and penned by writers Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcote. While he acknowledged that he cannot comment extensively on the production, he did not shy away from admitting that he plans to be more directly involved in bringing his remaining novels to the screen.
“I’m glad it was only one of my books,” Osman noted, hinting at a pivot in strategy for future installments. “The other books I would like to adapt myself.”
Despite his disappointment with the final product, the author looked back on the production experience with appreciation, describing it as a surreal and enjoyable experience to collaborate with Hollywood heavyweights. “It was a lot of fun meeting [producer] Steven [Spielberg], Helen, Pierce, and everyone else. Really cool,” he added.
A Literary Phenomenon
Since the release of the first Thursday Murder Club novel in 2020, Richard Osman has become a powerhouse in the publishing world. The debut title was an immediate sensation, shifting over 700,000 copies in the UK within its first four months. To date, the series has sold approximately 17 million copies worldwide, spanning five novels that have captivated readers with their sharp wit and compelling elderly protagonists.
While the film’s star-studded cast has reportedly expressed interest in reprising their roles, there has been no official confirmation regarding a sequel to the first film. As fans await news on whether the franchise will continue on screen, the author’s desire to helm future adaptations suggests that if the series does return to streaming platforms, it may feature a more faithful adherence to the vision that made the books a literary phenomenon.