Netflix’s ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ Unveils Release Date and First Look: Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley Lead the Dream Cast

It’s been a long wait, but the first real glimpse of Netflix’s highly anticipated The Thursday Murder Club has finally arrived — and the countdown to one of the most charming whodunits of the year is officially on.

Based on Richard Osman’s 2020 blockbuster novel, the story follows four spirited retirees who spend their afternoons in a peaceful English village solving cold-case murders. But when death strikes far too close to home, the amateur sleuths find themselves in the middle of a live, dangerous investigation. Netflix now confirms that The Thursday Murder Club will be released on August 28 — and the new images already hint at all the heart, mischief, and humor fans loved in the books.

Described cheekily by Netflix as “a whodunnit with teeth — false ones, of course,” the film stays close to the spirit of Osman’s novel, even as it makes a few tweaks for the big screen. Directed by Chris Columbus, the movie boasts a cast so legendary that Osman himself has called it “the greatest British cast assembled since Harry Potter.”

Helen Mirren takes the lead as Elizabeth Best, a sharp former spy who leads the Thursday meetings. Sir Ben Kingsley steps into the role of Ibrahim Arif, the soft-spoken ex-psychiatrist. Pierce Brosnan brings fire to the rebellious Ron Richie, while Celia Imrie plays the sweet but deceptively shrewd nurse Joyce Meadowcroft.

Joining them are Naomi Ackie as Donna de Freitas, the police constable reluctantly drawn into the retirees’ world, and Sarah Niles as Donna’s mother. Jonathan Pryce plays Elizabeth’s husband, while Richard E. Grant, Daniel Mays, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Tom Ellis, Geoff Bell, and Paul Freeman round out the sprawling, impressive cast. Even Osman’s wife, Ingrid Oliver, has a role as Joyce’s daughter, Joanna.

Behind the scenes, the atmosphere was just as joyful as the story itself. Brosnan even brought his mother to the set during filming, sharing sweet snapshots alongside Mirren, Imrie, and Kingsley. Mirren herself admitted she was a fan of Osman’s novel before being cast, saying she always dreamed of playing Elizabeth if a film ever happened.

As for Osman’s involvement, he made the deliberate choice to stay hands-off with the script, preferring to focus on writing his fifth book in the series rather than getting entangled in Hollywood rewrites. Still, he hinted that while the film closely follows the first book, some small plot changes were inevitable for cinematic storytelling.

For fans hoping for more, there’s good news: with multiple books in the Thursday Murder Club series — and Osman teasing even more to come — Netflix could have the beginnings of an entire franchise on their hands.

Until then, the first adventure begins August 28. The red wine, biscuits, and a few suspects are already waiting.