BBC and Stan Reveal Casting for Highly Anticipated Lord of the Flies Adaptation

(Image: BBC/Eleven/Callum Devrell-Cameron)

By Jon Donnis

The BBC and Stan have announced the casting for their upcoming television adaptation of William Golding's Lord of the Flies. This four-part series, adapted by multi-BAFTA-winning writer Jack Thorne, known for His Dark Materials and Enola Holmes, marks the first time Golding's literary classic has been adapted for television. Directed by Marc Munden, the series is being produced by Eleven and will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with Stan airing the drama in Australia. Filming is currently taking place in Malaysia, with additional production planned later this year in the UK. Sony Pictures Television will handle international distribution.

The casting process was led by renowned casting director Nina Gold, who opened auditions to young actors with no prior professional experience. As a result, many of the cast members will make their acting debuts in this production. David McKenna will portray Piggy, while Winston Sawyers has been cast as Ralph. Lox Pratt takes on the role of Jack, with Isaac Talbut as Simon and Thomas Connor as Roger. Other key cast members include Noah and Cassius Flemyng as the twins Sam and Eric, Cornelius Brandreth as Maurice, and Tom Page-Turner as Bill. In total, the ensemble includes more than 20 boys who will bring to life the story's "big 'uns" and "little 'uns", depicting the group of stranded schoolchildren on a deserted island.

Adding further prestige to the production is the involvement of acclaimed composer Hans Zimmer, who will collaborate with Emmy-nominated Kara Talve to create the original score for the series. Zimmer, whose work includes Dune and The Lion King, is one of the most celebrated composers in film and television, while Talve's recent projects include Tattooist of Auschwitz and Prehistoric Planet.

Golding's Lord of the Flies tells the story of a group of boys who find themselves stranded on a remote island after a plane crash, without any adult supervision. As they attempt to organise themselves, led by Ralph and supported by the intellectual Piggy, their fragile social order begins to crumble under the pressure of survival. Jack, who initially takes responsibility for maintaining a signal fire, becomes increasingly fixated on hunting and seizing power, drawing many of the boys away from Ralph's leadership and into chaos.

Jack Thorne's adaptation will remain true to the original 1950s setting on an unnamed Pacific island. However, the series will delve deeper into the novel's themes of human nature, the loss of innocence, and boyhood masculinity. Each of the four episodes will focus on a different character, Ralph, Piggy, Simon, and Jack, offering new perspectives on the boys' descent into disorder.

Both Thorne and Munden have expressed excitement about the project. Thorne has spoken of his gratitude for the opportunity to adapt such a beloved novel, praising the young cast and Munden's vision for capturing the beauty of Malaysia and the performances of the boys. Munden, in turn, has highlighted the relevance of Golding's themes of class, conflict, and male friendship, which resonate strongly in today's world. He praised the cast and crew, including cinematographer Mark Wolf, for bringing the story to life in the stunning Malaysian landscape.

Eleven's Executive Producer Joel Wilson echoed this sentiment, describing Munden's work with the young actors as extraordinary and praising the early sketches of Zimmer's score. BBC Drama Director Lindsay Salt expressed excitement at how Thorne, Munden, and the young cast are bringing this timeless British story to the screen with such emotional depth. Similarly, Stan's Chief Content Officer, Cailah Scobie, noted the significance of Lord of the Flies as one of the most influential books of the 20th century, expressing confidence that the adaptation will resonate with Australian audiences.

Commissioned by the BBC, Lord of the Flies is a co-production between Eleven and One Shoe Films, backed by Sony Pictures Television. It is written by Jack Thorne, directed by Marc Munden, and produced by Callum Devrell-Cameron. Filming is currently underway, with the series expected to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and Stan in Australia. First published in 1954, Lord of the Flies has been a staple of English literature curricula for nearly 70 years. Its author, William Golding, won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1983.

Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar - Sharon Stone and Paris Jackson join Kim Kardashian and a host of stars for new BBC Arts documentary

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

Elizabeth Taylor was always more than just a Hollywood icon. Her life was full of glamour, drama, and a whole lot of passion, but beyond the headlines and the films, there was a woman who was fiercely independent and unafraid to break the rules. In the new BBC Arts documentary series Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar, we get to see the real Elizabeth through the eyes of those who knew her best, along with some never-before-heard recordings of Taylor herself.

This three-part series is all about peeling back the layers of her public persona to reveal the woman underneath. It features interviews with a fascinating mix of people, including her son Chris Wilding, her granddaughter Naomi Wilding, and even her former stepson Todd Fisher. They all share personal stories and insights that help us understand who Elizabeth really was, not just as a star but as a person.

Among the many famous faces contributing to the series are Sharon Stone and Paris Jackson. Stone, who became close friends with Elizabeth through their shared activism for HIV/AIDS, speaks warmly about their relationship. She talks about Elizabeth's incredible acting talent and their shared experiences as women navigating the tough world of Hollywood. There's a particularly touching moment where Stone remembers how Elizabeth was the first person to send her a hundred roses after she had a stroke, showing just how thoughtful and caring she could be.

Paris Jackson, who was Elizabeth's goddaughter, also has a lot to say. Although she was only 12 when Elizabeth passed away, Paris has clearly been influenced by her godmother's legacy. She talks about how Elizabeth paved the way for others with her strength and integrity, calling her a "badass" who wasn't afraid to stand up for what she believed in.

The series doesn't just focus on Elizabeth's personal life; it also looks at her impact on Hollywood and beyond. With contributions from people like her personal photographer Gianni Bozzacchi, her stylist and friend Jorjett Strumme, and her long-time hair stylist José Eber, we get a sense of just how much Elizabeth Taylor changed the game in every aspect of her life. Even people who didn't know her personally, like Kim Kardashian and Dame Joan Collins, share their admiration for her.

What makes this series stand out is the way it shows Elizabeth Taylor as a trailblazer who wasn't afraid to challenge the status quo. From her work in the fight against AIDS to her determination to live life on her own terms, Elizabeth was always pushing boundaries. The series explores the toll this took on her but also celebrates the incredible impact she had on the world.

With Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar, we're reminded that Elizabeth Taylor wasn't just a movie star, she was a force of nature who used her fame for good and left an indelible mark on the world. The series, produced by Passion Pictures and distributed internationally by Fremantle, is set to air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer this autumn. If you think you know Elizabeth Taylor, think again, this documentary is sure to surprise and inspire.

Joanne McNally Uncovers the Truth About Furbys in New Podcast Series

By Jon Donnis

Twelve months ago, Joanne McNally was known primarily for her sharp wit and a penchant for diving into quirky conspiracy theories. Now, the beloved comedian has taken on a new role as an intrepid investigative journalist, determined to uncover the truth behind some of the world's most bizarre and intriguing stories. Her latest assignment? Delving into the strange and secretive world of international espionage, politics, and... Furbys.

Set to be released on BBC Sounds, Joanne McNally Investigates: Did Furbys Spy on Us? is a six-part podcast series that promises to be as entertaining as it is enlightening. The first two episodes will drop on 11 September 2024, with a new episode released each week thereafter.

For those who grew up in the 1990s, Furbys were the must-have toy. These fuzzy, electronic creatures were more than just cute—they could talk, learn, and even appear to listen to their owners. But as the years went on, rumors began to swirl. Were these beloved toys actually sophisticated listening devices? Could they have posed a threat to national security?

Joanne McNally's new podcast sets out to answer these questions, taking listeners on a journey through the rise of the Furby, the technology behind it, and the strange accusations that followed. With her signature humor and newfound journalistic fervor, McNally will leave no stone unturned in her quest for the truth.

"Top up your glass of Pinot and get ready, because I'm back!" Joanne says, brimming with excitement. "I've moved on from Avril Lavigne – there's a bigger mystery in town. This time I'm investigating a story of global espionage, life and death, and cuddly toys! The Furby we all know and love was actually accused of being an international spy. They were barred from airplanes, removed from hospitals, and banned from US classified buildings. Fear not, people, I will leave no stone unturned in my pursuit of justice! This spying scandal goes right to the top, so that's where I'm going."

Throughout the series, McNally will travel far and wide to get to the bottom of the Furby mystery. She'll make a daring call to the US Pentagon, venture to Menwith Hill—the UK's secretive listening station in North Yorkshire—and interview Furby collectors who have some extraordinary stories to tell. From individuals who swear their Furbys possessed unusual abilities to real-life spies who might just hold the key to the truth, Joanne's investigation will take listeners on a thrilling ride.

As the series progresses, Joanne's curiosity will extend beyond the Furby itself. She'll begin to question what other devices in her life might be spying on her—from her smartphone to her smart speaker and even the popular social media platform TikTok. Along the way, she'll uncover remarkable stories of how global surveillance has led to the exposure of infidelity, the uncovering of wrongdoing, and even the solving of a murder.

While the subject matter may be serious, Joanne McNally's podcast is anything but dry. She'll be joined by a stellar cast of comedy friends, including Joe Lycett, Roisin Conaty, and her trusty sidekick Gearóid Farrelly. Their banter and unique perspectives will add a layer of levity to the investigation, making it as funny as it is fascinating.

Joanne McNally Investigates: Did Furbys Spy on Us? is produced by What's The Story Sounds and was commissioned by Louise Kattenhorn, Podcasts Commissioning Executive for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds. The series promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions, blending comedy with true investigative grit.

Prepare yourself for a podcast unlike any other. Joanne McNally is on the case, and she won't rest until she uncovers the truth about Furbys—and perhaps even the world of surveillance at large.

Tune in starting 11 September 2024 on BBC Sounds.

New Psychological Thriller Dead and Buried Premieres on BBC One Northern Ireland

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

Get ready for an intense and gripping new series as the four-part psychological thriller Dead and Buried debuts on Monday, 2 September on BBC One Northern Ireland at 10:40 pm. Written by acclaimed screenwriter Colin Bateman, the full series will also be available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 10:00 pm the same evening.

Dead and Buried features a stellar cast, including Annabel Scholey (The Split, The Salisbury Poisonings), Colin Morgan (Humans, Merlin), Kerri Quinn (Hope Street), Waj Ali (Carnival Row), Owen Roe (Vikings), Niamh Walsh (The Sandman), Micheal Hanna (He'll Have to Go), and Joanne Crawford (Blue Lights).

The story follows Cathy McDaid, played by Annabel Scholey, a young mother who unexpectedly encounters Michael McAllister, portrayed by Colin Morgan, the man responsible for her brother Terry's death 20 years ago. Cathy, shocked to discover that Michael has been living freely in the same town after an early release from prison, begins to unravel as she becomes consumed by thoughts of revenge.

After learning about Michael's release from her solicitor, Cathy takes to social media and is disturbed to find that Michael has managed to rebuild his life, complete with a successful career and a family. Unable to accept that he is now a free man, Cathy defies the advice of her best friend, Sally Bowman (Kerri Quinn), and creates an online alias to infiltrate Michael's life. What begins as a simple act of spying quickly escalates into a dangerous obsession, as Cathy initiates a twisted and secretive relationship with the man she holds responsible for her brother's death.

As the lines between fantasy and reality blur, Cathy embarks on a relentless campaign of psychological torment, determined to dismantle Michael's life piece by piece. The series delves deep into the lengths Cathy is willing to go to exact her revenge and the devastating consequences that ensue for everyone involved.

Writer Colin Bateman hints at the complexity of the story: "Dead and Buried is going to be intriguing for the audience because they have to work out who to trust. There are so many red herrings. You're not quite sure what Cathy's up to, or whether Michael is truly a reformed character, or if he still retains his capacity for violence."

Director Laura Way adds: "Dead and Buried entertains and compels, but Colin's script also explores bigger issues unique to past and present Northern Ireland and its border counties. The show has more depth and layers than your typical thriller, exploring themes of cyclical violence and forgiveness."

Dead and Buried was commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland and Virgin Media Television, in association with All3Media International, and produced by Three River Fiction and Vico Films. The series was written by Colin Bateman, known for his work on Murphy's Law and Doc Martin, and directed by Laura Way, whose credits include Maxine and Blood. The drama was jointly commissioned by Eddie Doyle, Head of Commissioning for BBC Northern Ireland, and Sinead Stimpfig, Head of Commissioning & Acquisitions for Virgin Media Television.

Filmed earlier this year on the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, Dead and Buried received support from Screen Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen, and Coimisiún na Meán. The series will also air on Virgin Media in the Republic of Ireland on the same evening, offering viewers on both sides of the border a chance to immerse themselves in this dark and suspenseful thriller.

Straw Hat Crew, Get Ready! The BBC Brings Over 1000 Episodes of One Piece to the UK

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has just made a major announcement that is sure to thrill anime fans across the UK: the broadcaster has acquired the rights to over 1000 episodes of the legendary anime series One Piece. For the first time, the English-dubbed version of this iconic show will be available to UK audiences, exclusively on BBC iPlayer.

One Piece, a Japanese anime television series produced by Toei Animation, is based on Eiichiro Oda's world-renowned manga series of the same name. The manga, which holds the title of the world's best-selling, has surpassed an astonishing 500 million copies sold and boasts over 100 volumes. The anime adaptation has been captivating viewers around the globe since its debut in October 1999 and recently celebrated its milestone of over 1000 episodes. This year, One Piece has claimed the title of IMDB's highest-rated TV show of 2024, holding an impressive user rating of 9.0/10.

The series follows the thrilling adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his loyal crew, known as the Straw Hat Crew. Together, they embark on a perilous journey through the Grand Line, in search of the legendary treasure known as the "One Piece." Luffy's ultimate goal is to become the next King of the Pirates—a dream that drives the narrative through countless battles, mysteries, and encounters with unforgettable characters.

For UK fans, the BBC is now the go-to destination to experience the entire One Piece saga in English. Starting in September, all the series' major arcs will be made available, allowing viewers to follow Luffy's journey from the very beginning in East Blue all the way to the most recent adventures in the Land of Wano.

Fiona Campbell, Controller of Youth Audiences, iPlayer and BBC Three, expressed her excitement about the partnership: "It's a really exciting move to bring the One Piece franchise to UK audiences in the coming months. With its captivating storytelling, rich characters, and global fanbase, One Piece has become a cultural phenomenon, and we're so excited to see how the fanbase will enjoy this huge canon of episodes available in English only on iPlayer."

In a strategic release plan, BBC iPlayer, in collaboration with BBC Three, will roll out all ten major sagas between September and December. The first three sagas, East Blue, Alabasta, and Skypiea, comprising 206 episodes, will drop on 1 September. By the end of the year, all 1085 episodes will be available on the platform, offering fans the opportunity to binge-watch the series to their heart's content.

The full list of sagas that will be available on BBC iPlayer includes:

East Blue

Alabasta

Sky Island - Skypiea

Water Seven

Thriller Bark

Summit War

Fishman Island

Dressrosa

Whole Cake Island

Land of Wano

This marks the first time that UK audiences will have access to dubbed versions of the series, making it a landmark moment for anime fans in the region. Whether you're a long-time follower of Luffy's adventures or a newcomer ready to dive into the world of pirates, the BBC is set to become your new treasure trove of One Piece content.

Why new Netflix Series Kaos is its most offensive and racist show yet

By Jon Donnis

Despite following various DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programmes and relying on funds from international hedge funds to push a far-left, 'woke' agenda, Netflix has one major flaw, or perhaps it isn't a flaw but by design: they appear to have no issue being incredibly racist towards White people or anyone who doesn't fit the so-called "oppressed" narrative. Their latest abomination is called Kaos. The tagline for the show states that it "revolves around three humans as they discover their connection to each other and to a long-standing ancient prophecy while they deal with corrupt and arrogant gods of Classical mythology."

So far, so good, right? WRONG.

The moment the show begins, you hear the voiceover from Stephen Dillane as Prometheus. Stephen is English Irish-Australian. Alright, we can accept one part being played by a non-Greek actor, but who is next? Well, if you've seen the poster, you'll know that Jeff Goldblum plays Zeus. Jeff is probably the world's most famous Jewish actor—so, not Greek.

Let's look at more of the cast. Surely, we can find one Greek actor:

Janet McTeer as Hera – English actress.

Cliff Curtis as Poseidon – New Zealand Māori.

David Thewlis as Hades – English.

Killian Scott as Orpheus – Irish.

Debi Mazar as Medusa – Latvian-American.

Aurora Perrineau as Riddy (Eurydice) – Her name sounds somewhat Greek, right? And... she's a mixed-race 'nepo baby' of the Black actor from Lost.

And so on. I could go through the entire cast and find nearly every ethnicity—Arabs, Black actors, Indians. They even have transgender people on the crew and washed-up pop stars, but, for the life of me, there isn't a single Greek actor in the main cast.

However, I did find one Greek actor who is not listed in the credits: Peter Polycarpou, of Birds of a Feather fame. He has a brief cameo as a street vendor, and while none of the other characters in the show have a Greek accent, he speaks with a thick, stereotypical Greek accent, despite being a Londoner.

In general, I don't really care about the ethnicity of actors in a show, but in this world of woke ideology, where you dare not offend anyone or culturally appropriate, it seems bizarre that Netflix, the kings of 'wokeness', would not cast a single ethnically Greek actor in any of the main roles.

And before you argue that there aren't any big-name Greek actors, let me list a few: Jennifer Aniston as Hera, John Stamos as Zeus, Theo James as Hades. Other big-name actors who could fill these roles include Nia Vardalos, Zach Galifianakis, Tina Fey, and Maria Menounos, these are just the names that come to mind immediately.

I believe this huge misstep by Netflix exposes their true agenda. They don't actually care about being culturally correct; they merely follow whatever the hedge fund investors instruct, which appears to be race-swapping great figures in history or mythology and pushing a far-left, degenerate ideology.

It's such a shame, as I was really looking forward to this series. But when it's set in Crete, and even the supermarket announcements are in English, I can no longer give them the benefit of the doubt. Instead, I must assume this blatant racism was done intentionally.

BBC Factual and BBC Northern Ireland Announce New Titanic Docu-Drama Series

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

BBC Factual and BBC Northern Ireland have commissioned a compelling new four-part docu-drama, Titanic Sinks Tonight (working title), a detailed retelling of the final hours of the Titanic's ill-fated maiden voyage. Produced by Belfast-based Stellify Media with support from Northern Ireland Screen, this series will air on BBC Two and iPlayer, offering a gripping minute-by-minute account of the 160-minute catastrophe that changed maritime history.

Titanic Sinks Tonight promises to be a unique and immersive exploration of the world's most famous maritime disaster, recounting the final moments of the RMS Titanic through the eyes and words of the passengers and crew on board. The show is grounded in an exhaustive analysis of hundreds of survivor accounts. Using letters, telegrams, memoirs, and testimonies from public inquiries, the series reconstructs the disaster in real time, revealing the events that transpired from the crucial seconds before the ship struck the iceberg to the final moments as it sank into the icy waters of the Atlantic. By focusing exclusively on real people and their experiences, the series avoids fictionalization, making it a deeply authentic portrayal of the tragedy.

The series begins shortly after 11 p.m. on April 14, 1912, when the Titanic's radio operators receive their final iceberg warning of the night—one that would tragically be ignored. From there, Titanic Sinks Tonight walks viewers through the chaotic and desperate hours following the iceberg collision at 11:40 p.m. until the Titanic finally disappears beneath the waves at 2:20 a.m. The series aims to illuminate how key decisions made in the moments after the impact sealed the fate of passengers and crew alike.

Simon Young, BBC Head of Commissioning for History, calls the series "a completely fresh and original take on the most iconic maritime tragedy in history." He describes the show as a forensic examination of the ship's final hours, highlighting critical decisions that determined whether people lived or died. "It's hugely exciting to be working with our colleagues in Northern Ireland to bring this story to British screens," Young adds.

Eddie Doyle, Head of Commissioning for BBC Northern Ireland, echoes this excitement, describing the series as "an ambitious retelling of the Titanic's final hours, offering new insight and understanding." He emphasizes the significance of having a Belfast company tell this story, given the Titanic's deep roots in the city where it was built. With support from Northern Ireland Screen and the use of state-of-the-art technology, Doyle says, the series will be "visually arresting" and engage audiences on a new level.

Stellify Media, the production company behind the series, is excited to dive into docu-drama, a new genre for them. Kieran Doherty, CEO of Stellify Media, calls the project "an ambitious retelling of a story rooted in Belfast," adding that the company is proud to be the one bringing it to life. Stellify's use of Studio Ulster's cutting-edge virtual production technology promises to make Titanic Sinks Tonight not only a powerful narrative but also a visually stunning production. This innovative approach allows the series to be produced sustainably while maintaining the highest quality.

Richard Williams, CEO of Northern Ireland Screen, sees the production as a testament to Belfast's growing reputation as a hub for world-class film and television production. He highlights how Studio Ulster's advanced facilities will help Stellify Media "tell this iconic Northern Ireland story" with cutting-edge technology, enabling a more sustainable production without compromising on visual grandeur.

The series has been co-commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual for BBC, and Eddie Doyle for BBC Northern Ireland. Stellify Media's Kieran Doherty and Matthew Worthy will serve as executive producers, with Fiona Keane and Simon Young overseeing the series for the BBC. International funding has also been secured from Sony Pictures Television (SPT), ARTE, and SBS (Australia), ensuring that this powerful retelling will reach audiences far beyond the UK.

Titanic Sinks Tonight promises to be a significant entry into the canon of Titanic stories, bringing new layers of detail and emotion to the event that continues to captivate the world over a century later. As the series meticulously reconstructs the tragic night of April 14-15, 1912, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of what really happened on that fateful voyage and experience the sinking of the Titanic as never before.