"Brooklyn" Bounces to TV
Friday, February 5, 2016 at 10:00AM The big screen to TV spinoff window keeps getting smaller, now with an adaptation truly worth fawning over. Brooklyn producers Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey are bringing a spinoff of the Best Picture nominee to the BBC.
As if that wasn't enticing enough, the series is to center around house matron Mrs. Keogh with star Julie Walters set to reprise her role. We're well on the record about adoring those boarding house scenes, from the charmingly tart to the emotionally resonant. If the show can be as inspired as everything we got from the time spent under Mrs. Keogh's roof, we're in for something special indeed.
The concept of the show itself leaves much to obsess over as details develop on this one. Will any of the original ensemble members be returning along with Walters? Has Dolores found any chill? Who is *ahem* trustworthy enough to inherit the basement room from Eilis? We want answers and we want them now!
Walters is the only returning talent so far, and who knows if director John Crowley and screenwriter Nick Hornby might contribute. While it's too much to ask for Saoirse Ronan to commit, it'd be sinful to recast the undersung minor actresses from the film if their characters continue. Whose story are you most hopeful to see more of on the small screen?
Reader Comments (16)
A great idea, and I hope we get many of the Brooklyn boarding house actors back. I would love for Ronan to 'pop in' from time to time, actors from the UK and Ireland seem much more inclined to switch between TV and film work (look at Cumberbatch). This sounds very promising.
i can't help thinking of this as a Facts of Life reboot w/ Waters as Mrs Garrett
"Girls, Girls, GIRLS!!!!"
I'd love to see a spinoff just about Eilis' thirsty friend who came with her to the dance.
I think it's very good news that Brooklyn producers Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey are developing the project with the blessing of author Colm Tóibín. I'm not sure who gets the basement room, but if they can give us more dialogue like this, we will all be happy.
Patty: Do you have sunglasses?
Eilis: [Alarmed] No.
Sheila: You need sunglasses. I read that if you don't have them on the beach this year people will talk about you.
Mrs. Keogh: [Witheringly] And what will they say, exactly, Sheila?
Dolores: That's the thing, Mrs Kehoe. You'd never know, because they'd never say it to your face.
This is exciting! I hope they get Hornby to write it as well (he's Amanda Posey's husband too), which would probably be easier if they stick to the usual sort series format they tend to prefer over here in the UK. I wonder if it'd be framed as an "origin story" of sorts for Walter's character.
Walters is in my top 5 for S/Actress and see ms she made an impression on producers.
Brooklyn was/is my favorite movie of the year, so I'm concerned but optimistic about this. At least they picked the proper setting for the series. I just hope it stays more Stage Door and less Love Boat.
Clear up some space for your Emmys, Julie!
Maybe Sirsh will make a guest appearance. Get that Emmy, girl!
I remember reading on some comment section about how the novel's version Eilis is basically the female Forrest Gump who ends up meeting people who have endured hardships based on their backgrounds. If the producers decide to use that, they have at least two seasons of rich material, if not more.
It's Call The Midwife! In America!
Scott - Those boarding house scenes definitely remind me of "Call the Midwife", but thankfully Julie Walters doesn't have to wear a nun's habit.
Vanilla Saoirse Ronan can star in this TV show too.
Looking forward to this. We can probably count out Emily Bett Rickards though, she's a little busy with all her love scenes with Stephen Amell (lucky girl).
I loved Brooklyn, but when I hear boardinghouse, TV, post war NYC, now, I wonder if Dottie Underwood and Peggy Carter will be there.
The Emmys and SAGs are going to need someone to replace Maggie Smith now that Downton Abbie has ended.
All sniding aside, I love this idea. Love BROOKLYN and think it actually makes a fitting title to adapt. Can we get a CAROL cross-over?