Thursday Murder Club creator says fans will be 'in tears' as film includes 'tough scenes'

TheThursday Murder Club lands on Netflix on August 28and it's based on Richard Osman's 2020 bestseller of the same title.

The flick, which takes place in a Kent retirement community, tracks four pensioner detectives as they probe a genuine killing near their home. An all-star lineup features Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie, alongside major guest appearances from David Tennant and Daniel Mays.

Director Chris Columbus cautioned viewers they'd be reaching for tissues by the finale, declaring: "I believe Helen, Pierce, Ben and Celia were born to play these roles.

"It's a very immersive movie filled with laughs and suspense. And there's a surprising moving quality to the film. You'll find yourself choked up and wiping away tears by the end."

• READ MORE: How Thursday Murder Club fans can gain insight into making of film with 'very special guests'

• READ MORE: Top cosy mysteries to watch before Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club

Whilst the leading actors fostered a cosy and welcoming atmosphere during production, Columbus confessed certain days proved challenging.

He revealed in his chat with Country and Townhouse: "That's not saying each day was a walk in the park.

"There were tough scenes, emotional scenes that pushed the limits and boundaries of what one may expect from your standard procedural murder mystery."

There was enormous pressure in creating the film as shooting kicked off in June 2024, and only ran for three months before concluding in September.

It was anticipated filming would start in September 2023, with Steven Spielberg as producer, but there were setbacks caused by union strikes across the TV industry. In a separate chat with Collider, Columbus described adapting Osman's book as "a dream".

He elaborated: "Because of Richard Osman's writing, I was able to cast one of the best acting ensembles I've worked with since Harry Potter.

"Making this film was a dream. I truly hope I am fortunate enough to make a sequel. And another sequel. And another sequel."

The Thursday Murder Club will be available on Netflix from 28 August, following a limited cinema release on 22 August.