In August 2024, Netflix UK revealed an array of new projects during the Edinburgh TV Festival, including an upcoming eight-episode thriller series inspired by Bella Mackie’s novel, featuring Anya Taylor-Joy as the protagonist, Grace Bernard. Now, a year has passed since this announcement, and we have some updates on the production.
Emma Moran, known for her work on Hulu’s Extraordinary, is the creative force behind this project. It is being produced for Netflix by Sid Gentle Films, recognized for Killing Eve, along with Taylor-Joy’s own LadyKiller Productions.
The story, based on the acclaimed novel, follows Grace Bernard, a 28-year-old woman who ends up in prison for a murder she did not commit. In a twisted revenge plot against her wealthy father, who ignored her dying mother’s cries for help, Grace masterminds the calculated killings of six family members. Despite the tragic consequences and the finality of her situation, she feels little remorse for her actions and is satisfied that her intricate plan went undetected.
This role marks Taylor-Joy’s fourth significant collaboration with Netflix, following her debut in the 2016 film Barrie, her voice work in the beloved 2019 series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, and her standout performance as Beth Harmon in the 2020 limited series The Queen’s Gambit.
In a conversation with Netflix, Taylor-Joy expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “After finishing the book, I knew I had to be part of this adaptation. A bit of (light) stalking of the incredible Bella Mackie confirmed how excited I am to work with executive producers Sally Woodward Gentle, Lizzie Rusbridger, and Emma. I can’t wait to dive into the darker aspects of this story.”
Emma Moran shared her excitement in an initial statement, saying, “I immediately felt a connection with Grace. She’s the complex, darkly funny anti-hero every writer dreams of creating. The challenge of balancing the campy fun with the brutal violence that Bella has perfectly captured in her book is one I’m eagerly anticipating. I’ve never enjoyed a project with such a high body count more.”
Mona Qureshi, Netflix’s Director of Scripted Series, added, “We are excited to embark on this adventurous and thrilling journey with Sid Gentle along with the uniquely talented Anya Taylor-Joy and Emma Moran leading the charge. Bella Mackie has crafted a fantastic modern anti-hero in Grace, whose darkly comedic quest for revenge will slice through British society as she seeks retribution against her family. Anya is the perfect choice to bring Grace to life, and we can hardly wait to share this with Netflix audiences.”
Bella Mackie herself commented, “Watching my characters evolve through this incredible creative team has been exhilarating. Anya fits the role of Grace perfectly; it often feels like she understands her better than I do. Collaborating with Sid Gentle has been a pleasure, and since meeting Emma, I’m confident that the story is in excellent hands.”
According to Sid Gentle’s website, more details regarding additional cast members and other developments will be shared soon.
This announcement comes alongside several others from Netflix UK’s account at the Edinburgh TV Festival. On the documentary front, they unveiled new series about Take That, Gordon Ramsay, Barry Hearn, and Victoria Beckham. In scripted content, they have already renewed Black Doves, a Kiera Knightley series, for a second season, and confirmed a second season of Love is Blind UK.
Sally Woodward Gentle, Lizzie Rusbridger, and Emma Moran are serving as executive producers on this series, with the book’s author acting as a co-executive producer.
In August 2025, it was revealed that Netflix aims to commence production on the new eight-part series in early 2026, based on a production listing from a UK company indicating potential filming in the UK, although this remains unverified.
