Pierce Brosnan revealed that he initially envisioned Ray Winstone as a more fitting choice for his role in the upcoming film adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club. The 72-year-old actor portrays retired trade union leader Ron Ritchie in the movie, which is based on Richard Osman’s acclaimed novel. During an interview with the BBC, Brosnan expressed his admiration for Winstone, saying, “I never asked Chris why he cast me. I thought: ‘This is Ray Winstone, bro.'”
Despite his initial thoughts, Brosnan chose to keep them to himself. He recalled telling himself, “Don’t say anything Pierce, just keep going.” This moment reflects the pressure actors often feel regarding casting decisions, especially in adaptations of beloved literature.
Star-Studded Cast and Audience Expectations
The film, which also features a stellar cast including Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie, carries a significant weight of responsibility. Brosnan noted that the entire cast felt a strong duty to honor the beloved characters from the book. He stated, “It’s a huge responsibility when you have an audience and the world waiting to see these characters.”
Mirren, who plays former spy Elizabeth Best, admitted to having similar thoughts when she read the book. The 80-year-old actress confessed, “Embarrassingly, I did. When you read that book, you think immediately this could be a movie and then, if it is, I wonder if they’ll ever approach me to play that role, because I’d love to play it.” Her excitement at being cast reflects the enthusiasm many actors feel for roles that resonate with them.
Imrie, who portrays retired nurse Joyce Meadowcroft, had a different experience. She revealed that she did not read the book until after her casting, explaining, “Dear friends of mine occasionally said: ‘You know, you’d be awfully good for this, but I’m quite superstitious.'” This superstition kept her from reading the source material until she was officially signed on. Once cast, she quickly made a trip to the bookstore to familiarize herself with the story.
Limited Cinematic Release and Filming Insights
The cosy crime film is set to have a limited cinematic release, showing in cinemas for only a week before becoming available for streaming on Netflix. Mirren expressed her disappointment about the film’s limited availability, stating, “I think it would have done well in the cinema and I wish it was staying for a little longer.” This sentiment echoes a common concern among filmmakers about the challenges posed by streaming platforms.
During their first day of filming, the cast shot a poignant scene in a hospice, which Imrie felt encapsulated the essence of the older characters central to the narrative. She remarked, “It was full of what hangs over the story, not in a morbid way, but we are around the bed of someone that is dying and we’re all of an age where that is going to happen.”
Kingsley, aged 81, added depth to the discussion on the film’s tone, noting, “It was the starting point, I think it gives the film some ballast. It’s not a little comedy. It has some layers to it… a base note that runs through it.” This insight highlights the film’s intention to blend humor with more profound themes, ensuring it resonates with audiences on multiple levels.
As anticipation builds for the release of The Thursday Murder Club, the cast’s reflections illustrate both the excitement and responsibility that comes with adapting a beloved literary work. The film promises to deliver a mix of charm and depth, appealing to both fans of the book and new viewers alike.
