The Thursday Murder Club, based on Richard Osman's novel, is set to premiere on Netflix on 28 August, with a full trailer now released. The film stars Helen Mirren as Elizabeth Best, a former spy who leads a group of amateur detectives investigating cold cases.
Jonathan Pryce plays Elizabeth's husband, Stephen, a well-travelled retired academic and keen chess player who begins to show early signs of dementia. Pryce, 78, from Carmarthen, has revealed that the main reason he joined the project was the chance to work with Dame Helen Mirren.
Speaking about his co-star, he said: "That was major. The inspiration for doing this film was to work with her. We were in the same scene, but I never got to talk to her on Woman in Gold and Helen is an actress I've long admired. She's extraordinary and it's a privilege to work with her."
Despite his character's love of chess, Pryce admitted he has never played the game in real life. "Haven't a clue! But we had experts on set all the time telling us where to put our pieces," he explained. "It's kind of fun, looking like you're an expert on something and not having a clue."
Director Chris Columbus praised Pryce as "an actor who can carry several films on his own", adding: "The fact that he agreed to do a supporting role in this picture speaks volumes about Richard Osman's wonderful source material and his ability to infuse all of the roles, no matter how big or small, with a three dimensional, complex reality."
Pryce is also known for his performances in Brazil, Pirates of the Caribbean, Barbarians at the Gate and The Crown. He was knighted in 2021 for his contributions to drama.
