In a TV Wise exclusive, Patrick Munn reports that HBO is looking to co-produce the BBC One TV series, The Cormoran Strike Mysteries. The show is based on the JK Rowling book series, published under her pen-name, Robert Galbraith.
In a press release dated September 22, 2015, the BBC announced The Cormoran Strike Mysteries TV show adaptation will be made by Rowling and Neil Blair’s Brontë Film and Television production company. According to the BBC, Brontë Film and Television produces another Rowling book-to-TV adaptation, The Casual Vacancy, which Munn reports is already being co-produced by BBC One and HBO.
Per the BBC press release, Sarah Phelps is adapting the first Cormoran book, The Cuckoo’s Calling, with Ben Richards adapting the second title, The Silkworm. Ruth Kenley-Letts, Neil Blair, and JK Rowling are executive producers, with Lucy Richer for the BBC. Dan McCulloch will produce and Julian Farino will direct.
According to TV Wise, Phelps and Rowling formed a solid professional relationship, while Phelps was adapting The Casual Vacancy. Munn reports sources close to the project assure him that HBO and the BBC will close this deal.
Here’s a description of The Cormoran Strike Mysteries, from the BBC:
The Cormoran Strike Mysteries
Based on Robert Galbraith’s best-selling novels The Cuckoo’s Calling and The Silkworm, and the highly anticipated Career Of Evil, due for publication this autumn, this bold series from a master storyteller will bring one of the most memorable detective duos of modern times to BBC One.
Steeped in the atmosphere of contemporary London, Cormoran Strike’s city is far from the bright lights and frenetic bustle, immersed instead in its darker, murkier side. War veteran turned private detective, Strike investigates shocking crimes together with his female assistant Robin, whose forensic mind and fierce determination he cannot ignore. The murders take them from the hushed streets of Mayfair to the literary haunts of Fitzrovia, exposing the seedy reality lurking beneath seemingly innocent societies. With each crime, they discover a little more about each other and both learn that appearances can be deceptive.
As reported on Galbraith’s website, Career of Evil, the third Cormoran Strike installment, was published October 22, 2015. Here is the description:
When a mysterious package is delivered to Robin Ellacott, she is horrified to discover that it contains a woman’s severed leg. Her boss, private detective Cormoran Strike, is less surprised but no less alarmed. There are four people from his past who he thinks could be responsible- and Strike knows that any one of them is capable of sustained and unspeakable brutality.
With the police focusing on the one suspect Strike is increasingly sure is not the perpetrator, he and Robin take matters into their own hands, and delve into the dark and twisted worlds of the other three men. But as more horrendous acts occur, time is running out for the two of them…
What do you think? Have you read The Cormoran Strike mystery book series? How do you think it will play out as a TV show? When it premieres, do you plan to watch? Tell us.
Loved all three novels. Would definitely watch a TV series!
I’ve read all of Robert Galbraith books and it’s really good and I highly recommend this book for you all (especially those who love mystery) to read, that’s why I’m definitely looking forward to watching the tv series and I hope it’s released soon!
When will it come out? I second Vince Vaughan.
There are several of us who’ve read all of the Cormoran Strike series (You can also get then on your smartphone as an audible ebook from your local library). I would rather JK let PBS show her series and give some recognition and help to that. It will play so great if directed properly. They really need to cast right on this one! Otherwise it won’t be something we Cormoran Strike lovers will watch.
Vince Vaughan would make a perfect Cormoran Strike! Robin – Blake Lively
I haven’t read career of evil but i’ve read the other two books already and i love them. I think this book really deserves a TV Series and i hope they won’t ruin it
Liev Schreiber looks like a ‘Cormoran Strike’. He fits the name and is 6’3″ and has a good build. Charlotte can be Rachel Weisz cos she’s so darn pretty. I imagine Robin to be Sarah Gadon cos she was good and Robin-like in 11.22.63. Matthew can be anyone good looking.
Liev Schreiber is way too handsome for Strike who needs to be cast 6’3″ at very least but also whose been in some fights and gotten beat up/broken nose, etc. I’m excited about this though. I hope they don’t ruin it with poor casting.
Totally agree with you! Liev is the perfect Camoran! Vaughan isn’t sensual enough.
In my minds eye the two protagonists are played by someone like Rory Mcann and Bonnie Wright…
I love these books and I cannot wait for the series. I agree with everyone thought of Olivia Hallinan as Robin. What do you all think about Matthew MacFayden as Strike. He has the voice, he can act brilliantly and he is a big bloke. He would be perfect.
Although he has been in so many productions recently I think James Norton would be good in the role. He has the height and build (could be bulked up) and with an Alan Davies-type hair-do would not look so handsome and yet he has the ability to show Cormoran’s vulnerability. Olivia Hallinan would be good as Robin and they are both 30 years old.
Even though I don’t think he can do a convincing English accent, I think Vince Vaughan would make a perfect Cormoran Strike.
I know he’s American, but can see Jack Black as Strike and Tuppence Middleton as Robin
Jack Black is too short at 5’6″
Cormoran Strike is big. 6’3″ and has a boxer’s build with a little weight. Not really fat. Some people say Robbie Coltraine but I think he’s a big no too.
The books have gotten better and better. Can’t wait for the TV series. My dream cast is Karl Urban as Strike and Karen Gillan as Robin.
Yes on Karl Urban but I can’t see Karen Gillan as Robin
Books are terrific and deserve a tv series. I just hope they do a responsible job of writing and directing. Plus, get good actors. Then it should make a good series.
Thanks, Linda. I think I’ll put the books on my Christmas list. In my experience, the BBC is pretty good at casting. If you could cast it, who would you put in the lead roles?
Though not a fan of Harry Potter, I love Rowling’s adult fiction. CAREER OF EVIL is the best of the richly detailed Cormoran Strike series. I would stand in line to see productions of THE CASUAL VACANCY and the Strike novels.
Thanks, George. That’s great to read. I bought the Potter series for my children and read it before I let them, but around book 4, I got a little tired of the formula and gave it up. We did see all the films (and all three of my kids have read the books). I haven’t read any of Rowling’s other works. I’d like to see both The Casual Vacancy and the Strike series.