Damian Lewis, whose credits include Billions, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Homeland, and Dreamcatcher, has signed on to play two roles in the supernatural black comedy The Radleys, which is set to be directed by Euros Lyn (Heartstopper). Based on a novel by Matt Haig (pick up a copy HERE), The Radleys has the following synopsis:
The Radleys are an ordinary family, or at least that’s what the neighbours think, no one would suspect that behind all of this, the Radleys hold a dark secret…they are vampires. Only parents Helen and Peter (Lewis) know about the family’s true nature. They are ‘abstainers’, vampires who choose not to drink blood despite their natural cravings. Their teenagers, vegan Clara and lovesick Rowan, have no idea, until one evening Clara is attacked by a boy in her class and her bloodthirsty instincts take over, forcing her parents to finally reveal the truth.
With this revelation, Rowan questions his own identity. The temptation to try his first taste of blood only grows stronger with the arrival of uncle Will (Lewis), Peter’s twin brother and a practicing vampire, who pulls back the curtain on his vampiric life of hedonism and freedom. Will is all swagger and sex appeal, and his presence throws the whole family off their axis, unleashing suppressed desires for parents and teens alike.
Jo Brand (The More You Ignore Me) developed the script for The Radleys, which was written by Talitha Stevenson (Late in Summer). The adaptation aims to be “wickedly funny and scarily relatable”.
The Radleys is coming to us from Genesius Pictures. The film is being produced by Debbie Gray. Lewis will be executive producing through his production company Ginger Biscuit Entertainment. Cornerstone will handle worldwide sales and distribution. The company will be presenting The Radleys to potential buyers at the American Film Market.
Gray had this to say about the project: “I am excited to be working with the brilliant filmmaker Euros Lyn on The Radleys, a high concept black comedy and vampire tale which explores, in a darkly humorous way desire, addiction and its power to destroy our relationships and those we love.“
Cornerstone’s Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder added: “The Radleys is a funny and fresh take on the Vampire movie and we are thrilled to reteam with Euros who brings a bold vision to this black comedy about family, morality, desire and self-destructive urges.“
The plan is for The Radleys to start filming in the UK next May.
How does The Radleys sound to you, and what do you think of Damian Lewis being cast to play two different roles in the film? Have you read the book? Let us know by leaving a comment below.