Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Richard Osman Seeks Control After Netflix’s Thursday Murder Club Adaptation
Richard Osman wrote a popular book called The Thursday Murder Club.
Netflix turned the book into a movie.
Osman said he does not want to talk about the movie very much.
He also said he would like to adapt the next books himself.
The movie changed some important parts of the original story.
Some critics and fans were unhappy with those changes.
The movie had famous actors, including Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan.
Netflix said 24.7 million people watched it during its first four days.
Netflix has not yet confirmed whether there will be a sequel.
Richard Osman said he is disappointed with Netflix’s adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club.
The author said he would prefer to adapt the series’ remaining books himself.
The film made major changes to the novel, including altering Bogdan’s storyline and removing characters.
The adaptation starred Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie.
Netflix reported 24.7 million views in four days, but the film fell to fifth on its global chart within a week.
- Who
- Author Richard Osman and Netflix, with a cast including Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie.
- What
- Osman criticized aspects of Netflix’s film adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club and expressed interest in adapting the remaining books himself.
- When
- The comments came after the film’s release and mixed critical response; the first novel was published in 2020.
- Where
- The adaptation was released on Netflix.
- Why
- Osman objected to major changes from his novel and wants greater creative control over future adaptations.
Osman’s creative concerns
Film production and audience response
Changes to the source material
Osman’s creative concerns
Richard Osman expressed disappointment and said he would rather adapt the remaining books himself after the film changed parts of his novel.
Film production and audience response
The Netflix film used a star-studded cast and made its own changes to the story, including altering Bogdan’s storyline and removing characters.
Reception and performance
Osman’s creative concerns
The adaptation received a lukewarm critical response, including a two-star review from The Independent, and divided fans.
Film production and audience response
Netflix reported 24.7 million views in the first four days, while the film’s cast and producers were described by Osman as enjoyable to work with.
- Adaptation
- Netflix adapted Richard Osman’s novel The Thursday Murder Club into a film.
- Director
- The film was directed by Chris Columbus.
- Main cast
- Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie played the four retirees investigating cold cases.
- Reported views
- Netflix reported 24.7 million views during the film’s first four days.
- Chart performance
- The film did not reach the global most-watched film chart’s top spot and fell to fifth within a week.
- Critical response
- The Independent gave the film two stars.
- Series length
- The series has five books, including the original novel and four subsequent installments.
- Sequel status
- Netflix has not confirmed a sequel.