Richard Gadd’s ‘Half Man’ Series Adds Jamie Bell as Co-Star
The BBC has announced the highly anticipated casting for “Half Man,” a gripping six-episode drama series created and executive produced by the critically acclaimed Richard Gadd. Gadd will star in the series alongside the exceptionally talented BAFTA award-winning actor Jamie Bell. The series is a collaborative effort between Mam Tor Productions, a renowned Banijay UK company, and the BBC and BBC Scotland, with HBO coming on board as a co-production partner, set to air the series in the US.
Series Overview
“Half Man” is a deeply personal and introspective exploration of the complex relationship between estranged ’brothers’ Niall, played by Jamie Bell, and Ruben, portrayed by Richard Gadd. When Ruben unexpectedly crashes Niall’s wedding, it sparks a chain reaction of violence that propels us back through their lives, spanning almost four decades from the tumultuous 1980s to the present day. This ambitious series will delve into the highs and lows of the brothers’ relationship, from their initial meeting as teenagers to their eventual falling out as adults, navigating the intricacies of their bond and the societal pressures that shape their identities.
Creative Team and Cast
Richard Gadd, creator, writer, and executive producer, expressed his excitement about the casting, stating: “I am absolutely thrilled to confirm that I will be playing Ruben in the highly anticipated Half Man for the BBC and HBO, alongside the incredibly talented Jamie Bell. When I wrote the show, I had him in mind, and I am still in awe that we managed to secure his involvement. He is one of the most exceptional actors of his generation, and I am eager to see his interpretation of the role.”
Tally Garner and Morven Reid from Mam Tor Productions stated: “We are overjoyed that the incredibly talented Richard Gadd has agreed to play Ruben in Half Man, and we are thrilled to have found the perfect Niall in the gifted Jamie Bell. We cannot wait to witness these exceptional actors bring these complex, charismatic, and mercurial characters to life.”
Production Details
“Half Man,” consisting of six 45-minute episodes, was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. The series is created, written, and executive produced by Richard Gadd, alongside executive producers Tally Garner and Morven Reid from Mam Tor Productions, Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, and Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland. The producer is Wendy Griffin, known for her work on “Limbo” and “The Lost King,” with Alexandra Brodski and Eshref Reybrouck attached to direct.
Distribution and Release
The series is a co-production between Mam Tor Productions, the BBC, BBC Scotland, and HBO. Banijay Rights will handle international distribution outside the UK, Ireland, and the US. “Half Man” is supported by Screen Scotland and will air in 2026 on BBC iPlayer, BBC One, and BBC Scotland in the UK, as well as on HBO in the US.
Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell to Star in BBC and HBO’s Highly Anticipated Drama Series “Half Man”
The BBC has announced the highly anticipated casting for Half Man, a gripping six-episode drama series created and executive produced by the critically acclaimed Richard Gadd, winner of the prestigious Emmy award for his outstanding work on Baby Reindeer and Against The Law. Gadd will star in the series alongside the exceptionally talented BAFTA award-winning actor Jamie Bell, known for his riveting performances in All of Us Strangers and Rocket Man.
A Complex Exploration of Masculinity and Identity
Half Man is a deeply personal and introspective exploration of the complex relationship between estranged ‘brothers’ Niall, played by Jamie Bell, and Ruben, portrayed by Richard Gadd. When Ruben unexpectedly crashes Niall’s wedding, it sparks a chain reaction of violence that propels us back through their lives, spanning almost four decades from the tumultuous 1980s to the present day. This ambitious series will delve into the highs and lows of the brothers’ relationship, from their initial meeting as teenagers to their eventual falling out as adults, navigating the intricacies of their bond and the societal pressures that shape their identities.
Casting and Production Team
Richard Gadd, creator, writer, and executive producer, expressed his excitement about the casting, stating: “I am absolutely thrilled to confirm that I will be playing Ruben in the highly anticipated Half Man for the BBC and HBO, alongside the incredibly talented Jamie Bell. When I wrote the show, I had him in mind, and I am still in awe that we managed to secure his involvement. He is one of the most exceptional actors of his generation, and I am eager to see his interpretation of the role.”
Jamie Bell added: “I am honored to join this extraordinary creative team, led by the visionary Richard Gadd. Richard has crafted a poignant and singular narrative, and I am excited to bring this complex character to life alongside him.”
Tally Garner and Morven Reid from Mam Tor Productions stated: “We are overjoyed that the incredibly talented Richard Gadd has agreed to play Ruben in Half Man, and we are thrilled to have found the perfect Niall in the gifted Jamie Bell. We cannot wait to witness these exceptional actors bring these complex, charismatic, and mercurial characters to life.”
Production and Distribution
Half Man, consisting of six 45-minute episodes, was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. The series is created, written, and executive produced by Richard Gadd, alongside executive producers Tally Garner and Morven Reid from Mam Tor Productions, Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, and Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland. The producer is Wendy Griffin, known for her work on Limbo and The Lost King, with Alexandra Brodski and Eshref Reybrouck attached to direct.
The series is a co-production between Mam Tor Productions, the BBC, BBC Scotland, and HBO. Banijay Rights will handle international distribution outside the UK, Ireland, and the US. Half Man is supported by Screen Scotland and will air in 2026 on BBC iPlayer, BBC One, and BBC Scotland in the UK, as well as on HBO in the US.
What themes of masculinity and identity are explored in Richard Gadd’s “Half Man” series?
**Interview with Richard Gadd on “Half Man” Series**
**Host:** Welcome, Richard! Thank you for joining us today to discuss your highly anticipated series “Half Man.”
**Richard Gadd:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share more about the project.
**Host:** Let’s dive into it. “Half Man” is described as a complex exploration of masculinity and identity through the story of estranged brothers. Can you tell us what inspired you to create this series?
**Richard Gadd:** The inspiration came from my desire to delve into the often-unspoken dynamics of brotherhood and the societal pressures that shape male identities. I wanted to create a narrative that reflects the highs and lows of these relationships, particularly how they are impacted by life’s events over decades.
**Host:** That sounds fascinating. You’re starring alongside BAFTA award-winning actor Jamie Bell. How did it feel to secure him for the role of Niall?
**Richard Gadd:** Honestly, I am thrilled. When I was writing the character, Jamie was always in the back of my mind. He is an exceptional talent, and knowing he would bring Niall to life has been incredibly fulfilling for me as a writer and actor.
**Host:** The series is set to air in 2026. How’s the production process going so far?
**Richard Gadd:** It’s going really well! We have a fantastic team behind us, including Tally Garner and Morven Reid from Mam Tor Productions. We’ve already begun casting and rehearsals, and I’m excited to see how everything is coming together.
**Host:** “Half Man” is a co-production with HBO and the BBC. How does that influence your vision for the series?
**Richard Gadd:** Collaborating with HBO and the BBC provides us with a larger platform and access to incredible resources. It’s exciting because we want to create something that resonates not just in the UK but around the world. Having a global vision can significantly enhance the storytelling.
**Host:** What do you hope viewers take away from “Half Man”?
**Richard Gadd:** I hope viewers reflect on the complexities of family dynamics and the often-unseen struggles of identity and masculinity. I want it to spark conversations about these themes and resonate on a personal level.
**Host:** That’s a profound goal, Richard. Thank you so much for sharing your insights and excitement for “Half Man.” We can’t wait to see it!
**Richard Gadd:** Thank you! I can’t wait for everyone to experience the journey we’re creating.
