The BBC has announced casting for Open Water, its eight-part adaptation of Caleb Azumah Nelson’s celebrated debut novel, with filming now underway in Birmingham and London.
Emmy-nominated Ted Lasso star Toheeb Jimoh and Snow White‘s Dujonna Gift will lead the series as Marcus and Effie. Marcus works in retail while quietly developing a career as a photographer. Effie is studying dance at university in Dublin. From the moment they meet, an immediate and undeniable connection forms between them, complicated by one significant obstacle: Effie is in a relationship with Marcus’ friend Samuel, a boundary he is unwilling to cross. A shared project documenting Black creatives in London draws them deeper into each other’s orbit, but can their friendship resist the pull of something more?
The supporting cast includes Rhianna Dorris (Lockwood & Co.), Lamar Waves (The Tower), Nadine Marshall (Random), Hope Ikpoku Jnr (Top Boy), Tara Tijani (Death in Paradise), Enva Lewis (How to Have Sex), Sherise Blackman (Bridgerton), Renee Bailey (Call the Midwife), Janina Elkin (The Queen’s Gambit) and Mo Sesay (The Diplomat), among others.
Azumah Nelson serves as lead writer, director and executive producer on the series, adapting his own novel. “We rarely see love stories like this,” he said, “and everyone, from crew to cast, has put their whole heart into this production.” Acclaimed composer Cassie Kinoshi will create the original score.
Open Water is made by Mam Tor Productions, a Banijay UK company, and B-Side Productions for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Banijay Rights handles international distribution.
The production also pays tribute to Danielle Scott-Haughton, an executive producer for the BBC on the series who passed away during its development. “A passionate advocate for the project, Danielle brought warmth, creativity and unwavering support throughout its development,” the team said. “Her contribution to the drama was significant and she is remembered with great affection.”