Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell are set to lead the new drama series “Half Man,” a six-episode project arriving on Stan in April.
The series stars Gadd (“Baby Reindeer”) and BAFTA winner Bell (“All of Us Strangers”) as Ruben and Niall, two men bound by a brother-like relationship despite not sharing a blood connection. Having grown up inseparable after being brought together through tragedy, the pair’s bond is tested decades later when Ruben unexpectedly appears at Niall’s wedding.
His return sets off a chain of events that culminates in an eruption of violence, sending the narrative back through three decades of their lives, from the 1980s to the present day. The drama explores themes of brotherhood, masculinity and the fragile dynamics of male relationships as the two men confront the history that binds them together.
The cast also includes Mitchell Robertson (“Curfew”) and Stuart Campbell (“SAS Rogue Heroes”), who portray younger versions of Niall and Ruben, respectively. Neve McIntosh (“Tin Star”) appears as Niall’s mother Lori, alongside Marianne McIvor (“Screw”) as Ruben’s mother Maura.
Additional cast members include Charlie De Melo (“Rivals”), Bilal Hasna (“The Agency”), Julie Cullen (“Traces”), Amy Manson (“The Nevers”), Anjli Mohindra (“The Lazarus Project”), Tim Downie (“Outlander”), Tom Andrews (“Feel Good”), Philippine Velge (“The Serpent Queen”), Stuart McQuarrie (“The Rig”), Sandy Batchelor (“SAS Rogue Heroes”), Piers Ewart (“The Primrose Railway Children”) and Scot Greenan (“T2 Trainspotting”), alongside newcomers Charlotte Blackwood, Calum Manchip and Kate Robson-Stuart.
Filmed in and around Glasgow, “Half Man” is created, written and executive produced by Gadd. Sophie Gardiner and Anna O’Malley serve as executive producers alongside Gaynor Holmes for the BBC and Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland. The series is directed by Alexandra Brodski and Eshref Reybrouck.
The drama is produced by Mam Tor Productions, a Banijay UK company, in association with Thistledown Pictures for BBC iPlayer, BBC One, BBC Scotland and HBO. Banijay Rights will handle international distribution outside the BBC and HBO territories. “Half Man” is also supported by Screen Scotland.
Love Film & TV?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in music, film and TV in Australia and abroad.
The series will land on Stan in April, ahead of Gadd’s trip to Australia for Sydney Comedy Festival in May. The comedian will take part in a live, on stage one-night-only In Conversation on May 11th at the Sydney Opera House. See here for details.