New project from Baby Reindeer creator

Billy Elliot and Rocketman star Jamie Bell has joined the cast of Richard Gadd’s latest project, Half Man.

The six-episode drama - about two men who grew up together like brothers only to become estranged - was originally announced last year with the provisional title Lions.

It will start filming in Scotland next year for screening on the BBC in the UK and HBO on the US in 2026.

Baby Reindeer creator Gadd said of 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.’

And Bell added: ‘Richard has once again crafted something poignant and singular. I’m honored to have been asked to bring this to life with him.’

Half Man tells what happens when Ruben(Gadd) shows up unexpectedly at the wedding of Niall (Bell) after years apart, leading to ‘an explosion of violence that catapults us back through their lives’.

Spanning almost 40 years from the 1980s to the present day, the series will cover the highs and lows of the pair’s 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’.

The 45-minute episodes are  being shot in Glasgow and producers Mam Tor Productions say it will ‘capture the wild energy of a changing city’ as well as addressing the question: what does it mean to be a man?

Tally Garner and Morven Reid from the company said in a statement: ‘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.’

HBO executive Kara Buckley added: ‘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.’

Made by: Mam Tor Productions
Created and written by: Richard Gadd
Producer: Wendy Griffin
Directors:  Alexandra Brodski and Eshref Reybrouck 
Commissioned by: Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama.
Executive producers: Richard Gadd, Tally Garner, Morven Reid, Gaynor Holmes and Gavin Smith

Published: 25 Nov 2024