Writer Richard Osman defends Pierce Brosnan’s divisive casting in The Thursday Murder Club film. Primarily based on Osman’s 2020 novel and directed by Chris Columbus, Netflix’s upcoming crime comedy follows 4 aged beginner sleuths – a retired spy, a union chief, a psychiatrist, and a nurse – who try to resolve a homicide.
The movie options an ensemble forged that features former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan as Ron Ritchie alongside Ben Kingsley as Ibrahim Arif, Helen Mirren, and Celia Imrie within the 4 lead roles. David Tennant, Jonathan Pryce, Naomi Ackie, Daniel Mays, Paul Freeman, and Richard E. Grant additionally star.
In an interview with Empire, Richard Osman defended Pierce Brosnan’s casting in Netflix’s Thursday Homicide Membership film. The creator says that Brosnan is precisely who the character Ron would select to play himself, as there is a scene within the second guide when Ron reveals that Brosnan is his favourite Bond actor. Learn Osman’s full feedback beneath:
Right here’s the important thing factor about Pierce Brosnan taking part in Ron: Pierce Brosnan is who Ron would select to play Ron. Within the subsequent guide, I’ve acquired a scene with Ron and Ibrahim discussing who the very best Bond is, and Ron may be very a lot a Pierce Brosnan man. And Ibrahim is Timothy Dalton. For me, that’s the enjoyment.
It is a motive that Brosnan himself particularly appreciates. In response to Osman’s feedback, Brosnan joked:
That’s bloody nice. I find it irresistible. Timothy Dalton was a improbable Bond. Brosnan wasn’t half dangerous both.
What Pierce Brosnan’s Casting Means For The Thursday Homicide Membership Film
Why It is A Divisive Selection
Netflix’s Thursday Homicide Membership film seems to remain largely true to Richard Osman’s massively in style thriller novel, which is ready in an English retirement house the place 4 residents examine crimes. The film maintains the guide’s British setting regardless of it being a largely American manufacturing. Nevertheless, there are some key modifications, significantly relating to the character of Ron Ritchie.

Associated
10 Long-Awaited Netflix Movies & Shows Finally Coming In 2025
Netflix has an intensive lineup of recent releases coming in 2025, however these 10 upcoming films and TV exhibits are probably the most long-awaited of all of them.
In The Thursday Murder Club books, Ron is a tattooed ex-trade unionist, and followers usually imagined Ray Winstone as the proper casting for the character. As a substitute, the film forged Pierce Brosnan, providing a totally totally different tackle the character. Brosnan’s casting brings a suave charisma and extra polished edge to Ron, a departure from the rough-and-ready working-class picture that readers know.
Brosnan infuses Ron with attraction and a sly wit, suggesting a extra reflective and even glamorous previous. Osman views this variation not as a betrayal, however as a reimagining and proof that variations can honor their supply materials whereas nonetheless exploring new dimensions.
Our Take On Pierce Brosnan’s Casting In The Thursday Homicide Membership Film
Modifications To Supply Materials Can Be Good
Variations thrive once they embrace the liberty to reimagine. By making modifications or casting towards kind, filmmakers can uncover new layers of which means and character. Staying devoted would not at all times imply being literal. As with Brosnan’s casting in The Thursday Homicide Membership film, daring selections can improve the story, shock the viewers, and breathe new life into beloved materials, reminding us why variations exist within the first place – to reinterpret, not simply replicate.
The Thursday Homicide Membership releases August 28 on Netflix.
Supply: Empire

The Thursday Murder Club
- Launch Date
-
August 28, 2025
- Director
-
Chris Columbus
- Writers
-
Chris Columbus, Richard Osman, Katy Model, Ol Parker, Adrian Wenner, Suzanne Heathcote
- Producers
-
Eleanor Columbus, Jennifer Todd