Richard Osman on Adaptation Woes: 'I Tried to Speak Up, but Did They Listen?'
Richard Osman Spills Tea on Thursday Murder Club Movie Adaptation
The drama surrounding the Netflix adaptation of Richard Osman's bestselling novel, Thursday Murder Club, just got a whole lot juicier! The author himself, Richard Osman, spilled some major tea during his recent appearance on ITV's This Morning.
Osman, who has been making waves with his book series about four pensioner friends solving mysteries in their quiet English village, revealed that he had tried to exert some control over the creative decisions made by the producers behind the movie adaptation. And let's just say it didn't exactly go as planned.
When asked about the criticisms leveled against the film, which many fans feel failed to capture the essence of his beloved book, Osman was refreshingly candid. "I've written my version of the book, and it's available in all bookshops," he said. "It'll be there forever, and that's my version – the one that comes from my heart."
But what about those pesky changes made to the story? You know, like the killer's motive? Osman hinted that his suggestions for these tweaks were met with a resounding "no" from the producers. When asked if he had even dared to make any comments to Hollywood heavyweight Steven Spielberg himself, Osman quipped, "Ask me if he listened!"
It seems that despite his attempts to have some input on the adaptation, Osman was ultimately left in the dark about many of the creative decisions made behind the scenes.
But don't just take our word for it! The latest installment in the series, Impossible Fortune, has received glowing reviews from fans and critics alike. Reviewers are praising Osman's latest novel as a "new dawn" for the franchise, with some even calling it a "gently humorous read, peopled with characters who feel like old friends."
A Sneaky Dig at the Netflix Adaptation?
When Richard shared details about his new book in his email newsletter, fans couldn't help but notice a subtle dig at the movie adaptation. In a tongue-in-cheek comment, Osman joked that "every day was 'pub day' in the television business" – a clear reference to the film's hasty release schedule.
And it seems that this isn't just a one-off quip! Osman's email announcement also included a winking nod at fans who have been eagerly awaiting the next installment of his beloved series. "The gang is officially BACK," he teased, hinting that there may be more to come from these lovable pensioner sleuths.
What Do Critics Think?
So what do critics think about Osman's latest novel? We've got the scoop! Here are just a few reviews:
- Telegraph: "Five years and millions of book sales on, the latest instalment – the fifth in the series – has an equally vital function: to cheer up those of us who have just sat through the clodhopping Netflix adaptation of the first book." (4/5 stars)
- The Guardian: "The central mystery is a satisfactory head-scratcher... but the true pleasure is a gently humorous read, peopled with characters who feel like old friends." (4/5 stars)
- Radio Times: "As ever, Osman uses the cosy crime frame to explore themes often overlooked in the genre: loneliness, loss and diminishing independence. Here, Ron's journey of letting go of his old self and embracing a new one is especially affecting..." (4/5 stars)
And there you have it – the tea on Thursday Murder Club has been spilled! But don't worry, fans – Osman has confirmed that the gang will be back again soon, and we can't wait to see what they get up to next!
What do you think about the Netflix adaptation of Thursday Murder Club? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Sources:
- TheScholarlyNote.com
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