His Dark Materials and Enola Holmes writer Jack Thorne’s new BBC version of Lord of the Flies has begun filming and announced its cast.
The new four-part series adapts the classic William Golding novel, which follows a group of schoolboys stranded on a tropical island as they attempt to govern themselves, leading to dire consequences.
The BBC has now confirmed that the series has commenced production in Malaysia, as well unveiling its cast – with many making their professional acting debuts.
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Among a wide ensemble of child actors are David McKenna, who will take on the role of intellectual Piggy, while Winston Sawyers has been cast as group leader Ralph. Lox Pratt joins as Jack, Isaac Talbut stars as Simon and Thomas Connor will play Roger.
Twins Sam and Eric will be played by Noah and Cassius Flemyng, while Maurice will be portrayed by Cornelius Brandreth, and Bill by Tom Page-Turner.
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The show’s four episodes are named after core characters Ralph, Piggy, Simon and Jack, with each told from their individual perspectives.
Additionally, legendary composer Hans Zimmer has been confirmed to be working on the score alongside The Tattooist of Auschwitz’s Kara Talve.
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“I still can’t believe we have been given the opportunity to film this beautiful book,” Thorne said.
“The first few days shooting show that our cast are extraordinary and that [director] Marc [Munden] is finding a whole new visual language in capturing the wonders of them and the beauty of Malaysia. He is an incredible storyteller. It is all so exciting.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added: “We’re delighted to pass the conch to Jack Thorne, Marc Munden and this exceptionally talented young cast of stars in the making, who are telling this timeless story in such an epic and emotionally poignant way.
“Lord of the Flies is British storytelling at its finest and most thoughtful, and there is no better home for its first ever television adaptation than on the BBC.”
Lord of the Flies will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
