Oscar-nominated director Chris Columbus has sent ripples of excitement through the film world by revealing his ultimate wishlist of acting royalty for the hotly anticipated movie adaptation of Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club.
The Hollywood heavyweight, who launched the Harry Potter film franchise and gave us Home Alone, has set his sights on a truly iconic British ensemble. He envisions the legendary Dame Helen Mirren taking on the role of the sharp and sophisticated ex-spy Elizabeth Best.
For the charming former union leader Ron Ritchie, Columbus sees none other than former 007, Pierce Brosnan, as the perfect fit. The director's dream casting doesn't stop there; he is also keen to see Sir Ben Kingsley and celebrated actress Dame Maggie Smith round out the foursome of witty retirement-village sleuths.
In an exclusive discussion about the project, Columbus shared his passion for the source material, stating, "It’s a film I’m desperate to make. I think it’s one of the best novels I’ve read in the last 10 years. I think it has the potential to be a great film." He emphasised that securing the right cast is his absolute priority, confirming that the film will not enter production until he has his ideal quartet locked in.
The project has been acquired by Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment, with Columbus himself penning the screenplay. While the all-star cast is not yet confirmed, the director's public revelation of his top choices has undoubtedly set a high bar and generated immense buzz for this future British cinematic gem.
