Pierce Brosnan shared insights into his preparation for portraying Ron Ritchie in the film adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club. The actor revealed he accepted the role after director Chris Columbus offered it, without hesitation, despite initially being surprised by the casting choice. Brosnan relied heavily on the original book for guidance to capture the essence of his character.
Reflecting on the process, Brosnan explained,
“I went with it and I trusted his instincts [as] we’ve made two other movies before,”
and added,
“He just said, ‘Grow a beard,’ and I got where he was going with that. The spirit of the man, the heart of the man, the working man, the man who fights for his fellow men, he’s like a social worker in some respects. The writing was so nuanced and so heartfelt, so I just followed the script.”
On-Set Chemistry Among the Film’s Leading Cast
Brosnan also highlighted the strong bond that formed among the film’s principal quartet, which includes Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie. He described their dynamic as flowing naturally from the start, similar to being part of a close-knit theatre troupe. The cast did not feel the need to discuss the characters in detail with the director, as each actor trusted the material and their instincts.
He said,
“The whole thing flowed. The quartet – Dame Helen, Sir Ben, Celia and I – we didn’t discuss anything, we didn’t discuss it with Chris,”
and continued,
“We read the text and we all knew what we had to do, what was there, and we came with the characters. And from day one, it just flowed. It was a lovely respect for each other and a camaraderie, and it was like being part of a theatre company, really, and each day you’d have new characters coming in. It was just a joy to behold.”
Character Background of Ron Ritchie and Family Connections
Ron Ritchie, described as the “real comedian of the gang,” is portrayed as a committed West Ham supporter and former trade union activist, often known by the nickname “Red Ron.” His character balances humor with a strong sense of community and advocacy, adding depth to the story’s group dynamic.
The film also introduces Ron’s son, Jason, played by Tom Ellis. Ellis discussed how he approached his role by revisiting elements from the novel that did not appear in the screenplay, providing him with a richer understanding of his character’s personality and motivations.
Ellis reflected,
“There’s stuff in the book that isn’t there in the script, but I would refer back to it now and again,”
adding,
“I think I got a real sense of who Jason was from reading the novel, a slightly dodgy geezer but with a big heart who totally loves his dad. Once we started getting it up on its feet, it just came very naturally.”
Importance of the Novel for Character Development
Daniel Mays, who plays DCI Chris Hudson in the film, emphasized how vital the original book by Richard Osman was for shaping his portrayal. Mays described the novel as essential source material that helped him bring authenticity to his character, demonstrating the strong influence of the book on the film’s performances.
He stated,
“The book was so brilliantly written by Richard Osman. There was so much source material to work from, really, and I kept going back to it all the time. It was like a Bible in terms of trying to put the character together, so it really helped me bring Chris to life,”
highlighting the book’s role in his preparation.
Release Information and Film’s Anticipated Impact
The Thursday Murder Club is currently available in select UK cinemas and is scheduled for release on Netflix on 28 August. The film’s engaging story and strong ensemble cast have generated enthusiasm among fans of the novel and newcomers alike, with its combination of humor, mystery, and heartfelt performances expected to resonate widely.
Pierce Brosnan’s thoughtful approach and the chemistry among the lead actors underscore the film’s appeal, suggesting that the adaptation will maintain the spirit and nuance that made the source material beloved. As viewers anticipate the Netflix release, the film’s success may inspire further adaptations of Richard Osman’s work and greater interest in character-driven mystery stories.
