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Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell to star in new BBC drama Half Man
Richard is the creator, writer and executive producer on the series
Richard Gadd (Image: Pip) and Jamie Bell (Image: Michael Muller)
The BBC has announced casting for Half Man, an original six-episode drama series from Emmy award-winning creator and executive producer Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer, Against The Law). Gadd will star in the series alongside BAFTA award-winning actor Jamie Bell (All of Us Strangers, Rocket Man). The series is created by Mam Tor Productions (a Banijay UK company) for the BBC and BBC Scotland in a co-production with HBO, which will air the series in the US. Half Man will commence filming in 2025 in Scotland.
Half Man follows estranged 'brothers' Niall (Jamie Bell) and Ruben (Richard Gadd). When Ruben shows up unexpectedly at Niall's wedding, it leads to an explosion of violence that catapults us back through their lives. Spanning almost 40 years from the 1980s to the present day, this ambitious series will cover the highs and lows of the brothers' relationship, from them meeting as teenagers to their falling out as adults - with all the good, bad, terrible, funny, angry, and challenging moments along the way. Half Man will capture the wild energy of a changing city - a changing world, even - and try to get to the bottom of the difficult question... What does it mean to be a man?
Richard Gadd, creator, writer and executive producer, says: "I am delighted to confirm I will be playing Ruben in the newly crowned Half Man for the BBC / HBO alongside the incomparable Jamie Bell. When I wrote the show, I did it with him in mind, never thinking for a second we would manage to land him. So I could not be happier for everything that has come to pass in getting him on board. He is one of the greatest actors of his generation and I am so looking forward to seeing what he does with the role. Thanks to all the staff at the BBC, HBO, and Mam Tor Productions for making it all happen. I cannot wait to work with you all in the months ahead."
Jamie Bell says: "I'm so excited to join this incredible creative team. Richard has once again crafted something poignant and singular. I'm honored to have been asked to bring this to life with him."
Tally Garner & Morven Reid from Mam Tor Productions say: "We are thrilled that the extraordinary talent that is Richard Gadd has agreed to play Ruben in Half Man, and are overjoyed to have found the perfect Niall in the exquisite Jamie Bell. We cannot wait to see these incredible actors spar, as they bring these complex, charismatic and mercurial men to life."
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: "It's been such a privilege to see Half Man take shape, and to know that cameras will be rolling soon. In Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell we have the perfect Ruben and Niall - two characters like no other, whose epic journey through the decades we can't wait to have on the BBC."
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, says: "Half Man is a brilliant example of BBC Scotland's ambition to bring high quality drama, rooted in Scotland, to audiences in Scotland, the UK and the world. We're delighted to be announcing this exciting casting news today and look forward to seeing Richard and Jamie bring these complex and powerful characters to life."
Kara Buckley, Senior Vice President HBO Drama Programming, says: "Like so many others, we were wowed by Richard Gadd's acting prowess in 'Baby Reindeer', and have long admired Jamie Bell. We simply can't think of a better duo to bring this powerful story to life."
Half Man (6x45) was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. The series is created, written and executive produced by Richard Gadd alongside executive producers Tally Garner and Morven Reid from Mam Tor Productions, Gaynor Holmes for the BBC and Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland. The producer is Wendy Griffin (Limbo, The Lost King) with Alexandra Brodski (Somewhere Boy, Rivals) and Eshref Reybrouck (Ferry: The Series, Cheyenne & Lola) attached to direct.
The series is made by Mam Tor Productions for the BBC, BBC Scotland and HBO. Banijay Rights handles international distribution outside the UK & Ireland and US. Half Man is supported by Screen Scotland. The series will air in 2026 on BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Scotland in the UK, and on HBO in the US.
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