HBO Max and BBC One announced today that they are co-producing the psychological thriller limited series The Girl Before.
Based on JP Delaney’s global bestselling book of the same name, The Girl Before stars BAFTA nominee Gugu Mbatha-Raw (The Morning Show, Misbehaviour) and Golden Globe®, BAFTA, and Emmy®-nominated actor David Oyelowo (Selma, Les Misérables).
The four-episode limited series will be produced by 42 (The English Game) and directed by Emmy nominee Lisa Brühlmann (Killing Eve, Servant).
JP Delaney had this to say about the project:
“Having written for the screen in a previous career, it’s long been a dream of mine to adapt The Girl Before, but I was determined to only do it if I could find partners who wanted to pursue high-quality, classy storytelling above all else. You really couldn’t get a more quality-focused line-up than 42, the BBC and HBO Max – and we’ve already attracted world-class talent in the shape of Lisa, Gugu and David. Psychological thrillers can be even more gripping on television than they would be as movies, and I’m incredibly excited to be re-telling this particular story in a visual medium. It’s also been great fun to collaborate on episodes two and three with a brilliant co-writer, Marissa Lestrade.”
Said Gugu Mbatha-Raw:
“I’m so excited to work with this amazing team on such a compelling story in my debut role as an actor and producer.”
Added David Oyelowo:
“This story is mind bending in its clever construction and intricacy. I can’t wait to see it, let alone be in it. Plus, I’d go anywhere to work with my friend Gugu again.”
The Girl Before tells the story of Jane (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who gets the chance to move into a beautiful, ultra-minimalist house designed by an enigmatic architect (David Oyelowo). There’s just one catch: occupants have to abide by his list of exacting rules. Jane starts to feel the house changing her in unexpected ways, but when she makes the shocking discovery that her predecessor Emma died in the house, she’s forced to confront unnerving similarities. As the two women’s timelines interweave, Jane begins to question if her fate will be the same as the girl before…
Said Lisa Brühlmann:
“Can our surroundings, like a special house, affect who we are, even change us? The ability to change our beliefs and our character is highly fascinating to me. I can’t wait to bring this female driven thriller to life.”
Created, written, and executive produced by JP Delaney, the series is adapted from Delaney’s best-selling novel of the same title, which has sold more than one million copies since its publication in 2016. Additional executive producers include Eleanor Moran, Rory Aitken, and Ben Pugh for 42; Ben Irving for the BBC; and Lisa Brühlmann. Rhonda Smith is the producer and Gugu Mbatha-Raw is an associate producer. Marissa Lestrade (White Stork, Deep State 2) will co-write episodes of the series.
The Girl Before will stream in the US on HBO Max and will air on BBC One and stream on BBC iPlayer in the UK (dates tba).
Stay tuned for updates.
__________________
As an affiliate of Amazon and other companies, ads & affiliate links on this blog allow us to earn income from qualifying actions and purchases (at no extra cost to you).
Share this post/page.