Glenn Close has landed her next killer TV role.
The eight-time Oscar nominee is set to star as the lead in “Maud” for U.K. network Channel 4. Written by Nina Raine and Moses Raine (behind acclaimed play “Donkey Heart”) and developed and produced by Playground for Sony Pictures Television, the six-part series is based on the short story collections “An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good” and “An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed” by bestselling Swedish crime writer Helene Tursten.
“Maud” — currently a working title — will see Close play Maud Oldcastle, described as a “hilariously brusque, cantankerous and ruthless older woman.” But those are just her “nice qualities” — she’s also a “killer with a tortured past.” Determined to break from a lifetime spent caring for her sister, Maud sets out to claim a long-overdue second act, but a suspicious detective and an unrelenting world built for youth may soon discover just how far she’ll go to protect her freedom.
“I am honored to be working with Channel 4, Sony and Playground to bring this highly original series to life,” Close said. “Nina and Moses Raine are deliciously brilliant writers and Maud Oldcastle is not like any character I have played before. I am thrilled to be a part of such a stellar team.”
Gwawr Lloyd, acting head of drama at Channel 4, added: “’Maud’ is a deliciously dark and daring drama and the amazing Glenn Close will bring a thrilling complexity to the role. We’re delighted to be working with Nina, Moses, Playground and Sony Pictures Television to bring this unique character to life and we can’t wait for audiences to meet Maud Oldcastle.”
“Maud” was commissioned for Channel 4 by Lloyd and drama commissioning editor Rebecca Holdsworth and is a Sony Pictures Television Production. Executive producers are Scott Huff and Colin Callender for Playground with Close, Nina Raine and Moses Raine. The series producer is Morenike Williams.
“’Maud’ is precisely the kind of bold, character-focused drama we’re passionate about creating. Having the extraordinary Glenn Close join us to embody this remarkable character is a dream come true,” said Huff, joint managing director at Playground. “Nina and Moses Raine have written a distinctive crime drama that explores modern themes with razor-sharp wit and insight.”
He added, “Channel 4’s commitment to bold storytelling makes them the ideal partner for this series, and we’re grateful to Gwawr Lloyd and Rebecca Holdsworth for their support. We’re equally thrilled to partner with Sony, whose backing and commitment have been pivotal in bringing this series to life.”
Sony Pictures Television president Katherine Pope said: “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Colin and Scott at Playground, along with their exceptional team, and Channel 4, known for their innovative programming. ‘Maud’ is a series that perfectly depicts our commitment to distinctive and character-driven storytelling. Glenn Close’s unparalleled talent brings extraordinary depth to this complex and captivating character, while Nina and Moses have crafted a wickedly intelligent script that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.”
Filming will take place in London later this year.