Richard Osman wrote The Thursday Murder Club (Image: NETFLIX)
Author and TV personality has offered fans a sneak peek into the potential transformations his acclaimed Thursday Murder Club series might undergo for its adaptation. Speaking candidly on The Rest Is Entertainment, a popular podcast he co-hosts with distinguished journalist Marina Hyde, the mastermind and novelist delved into the common practice of tweaking novels for their film versions.
From his shared insights, it’s evident that Osman is no stranger to the industry’s inner workings. He recounted experiences in production meetings, noting: “I’ve sat in so many meetings where people have said, ‘Of course, we will let you write the script.’ And I had to say, ‘I’m so sorry, I’m writing my next book.’ And also there are so many great scriptwriters out there, so it really depends on what sort of position you’re in.”
Navigating the delicate process of adaptation, Osman acknowledged that certain elements of The Thursday Murder Club may need to be modified by the filmmakers, and his involvement would be limited yet consultative. Reflecting on past instances such as the push to Americanize Harry Potter, Osman highlighted the importance of maintaining creative integrity.
“With The Thursday Murder Club, there are certain changes they would make that you would be consulted on. Certainly if you made it in America rather than England, that would be a thing,” he explained.
Keeping fans updated on the adaptation, Osman presented the current direction, revealing: “The plot, as I understand it, for The Thursday Murder Club movie is based on the first book but it’s not entirely the same, because you have to change things is the truth.”
Richard Osman hosts The Rest Is Entertainment (Image: GETTY)
He further highlighted the approach of renowned director Chris Columbus, known for his work on the first two Harry Potter films and other classics like Home Alone, The Goonies and Gremlins.
Columbus had previously spoken about the Harry Potter adaptation process and J.K. Rowling’s significant involvement.
“He’s happy doing it either way, but I think it’s more fun for a filmmaker to have a bit more creative control,” Osman mused.
The Thursday Murder Club is coming to Netflix (Image: NETFLIX)
The Thursday Murder Club centres around an unusual group of detectives in a retirement home who enjoy solving murders as a hobby, only to find themselves entangled in a real case.
The film is based on Osman’s 2020 novel and is being produced by in collaboration with ‘s production company, Amblin.
It features a stellar cast that includes Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Celia Imrie, David Tennant, Tom Ellis and Richard E Grant.
Last year, Osman expressed his excitement about the adaptation, saying: “I’m so proud of this book, so it is a dream to see The Thursday Murder Club in such incredible hands. From Chris Columbus to Amblin to , there are geniuses everywhere I look. And what a cast. I’m pinching myself.”
While there is no official release date for The Thursday Murder Club, it was one of ’s highlights during their Next On presentation for 2025.
The Rest Is Entertainment is available to listen to now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other streaming platforms.