The BBC is developing a TV spin-off based on the Oscar-nominated period drama Brooklyn, with Julie Walters due to reprise her role as the matronly manager of a boarding house for young Irish women newly arrived in 1950s New York, reports Screen.
John Crowley’s film stars Saoirse Ronan as a young emigrant from south-east Ireland who must choose between futures on opposite sides of the Atlantic with two very different potential partners. Ronan is nominated for the best actress prizes at this month’s Oscars and Baftas for her performance.
The TV version would focus on the same group of young women living at the boarding house run by traditionalist yet kind-hearted manager Madge Keogh (Walters), though Ronan appears unlikely to return. Brooklyn producers Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey are developing the project with the blessing of Colm Tóibín, author of the novel, which was adapted by screenwriter Nick Hornby for cinema.
“I suggested the idea to Colm quite early on, before there was even a first draft for the film,” Dwyer told Screen. “We’re talking to writers now and have a couple in our sights.”
Walters received a best supporting actress Bafta nomination for her turn as Mrs Keogh. Producers are confident she will agree to return to the role on the small screen.
The TV series is expected to begin moving forward once Brooklyn has finished its theatrical run. John Crowley’s film, which was made for $10m, has so far grossed more than $40m worldwide, and will be expected to continue benefiting from the box-office boost brought by awards-season recognition.
