In a recent interview, actor Pierce Brosnan revealed his initial thoughts about casting for his role in the film adaptation of Richard Osman‘s popular novel, The Thursday Murder Club. Brosnan, who portrays retired trade union leader Ron Ritchie, admitted he believed fellow actor Ray Winstone would have been an excellent fit for the character. This candid reflection came during a discussion with the BBC.
Brosnan, now 72, expressed his surprise at being chosen for the role. He stated, “I never asked Chris Columbus why he cast me. I thought: ‘This is Ray Winstone, bro.'” Despite his thoughts, Brosnan kept his opinions to himself, deciding to focus on his performance instead. He recalled, “(I remember thinking) ‘Don’t say anything, Pierce, just keep going.'”
Responsibility to the Characters
The film features a star-studded cast that includes Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie. Brosnan emphasized the significant responsibility they felt to authentically portray the beloved characters from the book. He remarked, “It’s a huge responsibility when you have an audience and the world waiting to see these characters.”
Mirren, 80, who was a top choice for the role of former spy Elizabeth Best, shared her own thoughts upon reading the novel. She said, “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.” Mirren described it as a “miracle” when she was indeed approached for the part.
Imrie, in contrast, did not read the book until after she was cast as retired nurse Joyce Meadowcroft. She noted that friends had suggested she would be suitable for the role, but her superstitious nature held her back from reading it beforehand. Once she secured the part, she quickly went to a bookstore to explore the story.
Limited Theatrical Release
The film, which combines elements of cozy crime and drama, is set to have a limited theatrical release. It will only be available in cinemas for a week before becoming accessible for streaming on Netflix. Mirren expressed her disappointment at the brief cinema run, stating, “I think it would have done well in the cinema and I wish it was staying for a little longer.”
The leading quartet began filming with a poignant hospice scene, capturing the essence of the older characters central to the narrative. Imrie, 73, reflected on the emotional weight of the scene, saying, “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, 81, added that this opening scene provided the film with depth, emphasizing its layered nature. He stated, “It’s not a little comedy. It has some layers to it… a base note that runs through it.”
As the release date approaches, the anticipation grows for a film that aims to honor the beloved characters and stories that have captivated readers worldwide. With its blend of talent and emotion, The Thursday Murder Club promises to be a significant addition to the cozy crime genre.
