Richard Osman’s best-selling mystery novel is being adapted into the most stunning film, complete with Hollywood A-listers.
The former Pointless host’s fourth crime novel debuted at number one on the best-selling list last year, and his 2020 book is set to be adapted for film.
Chris Columbus, who directed Harry Potter, Mrs Doubtfire, and Home Alone, will direct The Thursday Murder Club.
The director is renowned, as is the cast, which includes Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Ben Kingsley, and James Bond himself, Pierce Brosnan.
Richard, 53, confirmed the story on his podcast The Rest is Entertainment, revealing that Amblin Entertainment, Steven Spielberg’s production business, is producing it.
The narrative revolves around four friends living in a retirement home in Kent who band together to investigate murders for fun before being involved in a real-life case.
Helen, 78, plays ex-spy Elizabeth, Ben, 80, as ex-psychiatrist Ibrahim, and Pierce, 70, as former union activist Ron.
Joyce, the final of the four, is yet to be released, but based on the names revealed thus far, she is expected to be an amazing addition.
Teasing the announcement, Richard wrote on X: ‘Just been on a call with Amblin, and the cast for #TheThursdayMurderClub movie is insanely great, I think people are going to love it.
‘Official announcements very soon, and can’t wait to share it with everyone.’
Richard, whose brother is Suede’s Mat Osman, is best known for his TV stints, including as the host of House of Games.
He has published four books, with The Thursday Murder Club being the fastest-selling adult crime debut in recorded history.
The novel sold over 45,000 copies within three days of its debut, following a 10-way bidding battle for publication rights.
The succeeding series has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, with a new installment due out next year.
When it was initially disclosed that the novel was being optioned for a film, stars such as Viola Davies and Meryl Streep, as well as Ol Parker from Mamma Mia, were linked.
