Netflix is putting a fresh twist on the classic whodunit—and the sleuths just happen to be in their golden years. The streamer has officially set a Thursday, August 28 release date for The Thursday Murder Club, its adaptation of Richard Osman’s bestselling novel. Along with the news, they dropped a set of first-look images giving us a peek into the stylish chaos that awaits.
Directed by Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone helmer Chris Columbus, the film stars screen legends Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie as a group of retirees who spend their downtime solving cold cases. But when a murder hits a little too close to home, their favorite pastime turns into an urgent mission—and they’re not about to let their age stop them from cracking the case.
Think Knives Out meets The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, with a little bit of sass and a lot of smarts.
Here’s who’s who:
- Helen Mirren plays Elizabeth, a former spy with a steel trap of a mind
- Pierce Brosnan is Ron, a retired union boss with a rebellious streak
- Ben Kingsley takes on Ibrahim, an ex-psychiatrist who brings logic to the group
- Celia Imrie is Joyce, a nurse-turned-detective with a knack for details and a warm heart
Rounding out the cast is a deep bench of talent including Naomi Ackie, Daniel Mays, Tom Ellis, Jonathan Pryce, David Tennant, Paul Freeman, Geoff Bell, Richard E. Grant, Ingrid Oliver, and Henry Lloyd-Hughes.
It’s the latest project to come out of Netflix’s creative partnership with Amblin Entertainment and was produced by Jennifer Todd and Columbus, with Richard Osman, Jo Burn, Eleanor Columbus, Holly Bario, and Jeb Brody serving as executive producers.
Columbus isn’t holding back when it comes to the cast. “This is the finest cast I’ve worked with since Potter,” he told Netflix. “They’ve got range. They’ve got presence. And most importantly—they’ve got stories to tell.”
And speaking of stories, The Thursday Murder Club is rich with them. Osman created the book series after visiting his mother’s retirement community and realizing the untapped brilliance of those often overlooked. “These people are underestimated,” he said. “But they’ve lived through everything. You put them together, and there’s nothing they can’t figure out.”
That spirit shines through in this adaptation—which is as heartwarming as it is sharply written. The story plays with legacy, memory, and the power of community, all wrapped in a suspenseful package that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The film also got a surprise visit from a very familiar face during production—Steven Spielberg himself—who stopped by set and reunited with Raiders of the Lost Ark actor Paul Freeman, giving the behind-the-scenes moment a full-circle feel.
So mark it down: The Thursday Murder Club hits Netflix on August 28. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the books or just in the mood for a clever mystery with charisma and charm, this one’s worth the watch.
And yes, for those keeping up with Osman’s literary universe, the next installment in the series, The Impossible Fortune, drops later this year. So if you get hooked, you’re in good company.
