Adolescence team to remake Threads nuclear attack epic
Warp Films, the maker of worldwide hit TV show Adolescence, is to develop a series based on 1980s nuclear war film Threads, it has confirmed.The Sheffield-based firm plans to turn the 1984 movie, which tracks the aftermath of an attack on the city, into a TV series.The film, written by Kes author Barry Hines, has gathered a cult following for its bleak storyline and vivid portrayal of a post-apocalyptic South Yorkshire.A spokesperson for Warp described the 112-minute original as "groundbreaking" and added: "This adaptation will explore prescient issues through rich, character-driven storytelling."
Warp founder and chief executive Mark Herbert confirmed to BBC Sheffield that the firm had obtained the rights to Threads for a new version."Threads was, and remains, an unflinchingly honest drama that imagines the devastating effects of nuclear conflict on ordinary people. This story aligns perfectly with our ethos of telling powerful, grounded narratives that deeply connect with audiences," he told the Radio Times.Produced on a low budget and directed by documentary maker Mick Jackson, who would later go on to helm Hollywood blockbuster The Bodyguard, Threads managed to horrify people at a time when nuclear war seemed a very real possibility.From a kitchen sink drama focused around a young couple in Sheffield, the film showed society breaking down as nuclear winter sets in.It was only shown a handful of times between its original transmission and its 40th anniversary. It is now available on iPlayer.Speaking to the BBC in 2023, actor Reece Dinsdale, who played the film's central character Jimmy, said the film had a special screening in Sheffield in front of 500 people before it was shown on TV."There was complete silence and all you could hear was various people sobbing around the room," the actor recalled."People blame me to this day for scarring them for life."People say it is the most scary thing they've ever seen in their life and remains so to this day."
Warp, which also created the This is England film and TV series, is also behind the BBC One drama Reunion, which began on Monday.Adolescence has become the most talked-about show of the year so far after it launched on 13 March.The first episode was watched by 6.45 million people in its first week, according to ratings body Barb.That is the biggest audience for any streaming TV show in the UK in a single week, beating the 6.3 million who watched Fool Me Once on Netflix in January 2024.It won praise from critics, viewers and politicians for its hard-hitting story of a 13-year-old boy who is arrested on suspicion of murdering a girl from his school, with the drama made more intense by filming each episode in a single shot.The cast, including newcomer Owen Cooper as young Jamie, and Stephen Graham as his dad, have received plaudits for their performances.
Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Everywhere in the country you could see the Red Arrows this weekend
The famous Red Arrows will make their way across parts of England this weekend as they carry out a display at the RAF Cosford Air Show - here is where you can see them Excited Brits will be looking to the skies this weekend as the Red Arrows take to the air for some more spectacular displays. The red jets are taking part of the RAF Cosford Air Show in Shropshire on Sunday and will fly over parts of the Midlands and northwest England. Brilliant airborne tricks, daredevil flying and symbolic display has made the Lincolnshire-based squadron a favourite for Brits over the years and mean many of those attending the air show will be hotly anticipating their arrival. But they will also be visible from a number of places in the area close by tomorrow. Today, the crack flying team departed from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, Scotland, to Liverpool's John Lennon Airport. The Red Arrows' route will begin at 2:59pm tomorrow. After flying over Ellesmere Port, the squadron is expected to be northeast of Chester just two minutes later. Then, the team will barrel through British skies travelling south to an area around Cholmondeley, before turning northeast towards Natwich and then south past Blackbrook, Walford, Harper Adams University and Lilleshall before reaching RAF Cosford. The team will then head east to their home in Lincolnshire following the display. The Red Arrows are expected to be northeast of Brewood at 3:34pm and will pass near Uttoxeter and Sutton-on-Trent on their way to Waddington at 3:45pm. The times could change due to the weather or other factors, according to the website whic shared the expected route and timings. This year's air show at Cosford, meanwhile, will feature an array of legendary aircraft like the American P51 Mustang, royal Air Force Chinook helicopter and F-35B Lightning fighter jet. The arrival of The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, will see the iconic Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane planes and the C-47 Dakota. Organisers of the event said the theme of the show this year is 'Commemorate, Celebrate, Innovate'. It said: 'The air show will commemorate some of our history both in terms of assets and through displays in the Victory Village; Celebrate the work of the Royal Air Force, NATO Allies and Partner nations; And seek to inspire the next generation by showcasing how the armed forces innovate together and with our Defence sector partners in the STEM Hangar.' "There is an exhilarating experience for every member of the family at the RAF Cosford Air Show. :Pretend to be a fast jet pilot with our fascinating static displays, explore exciting careers in the STEM hangars, meet historic icons in the vintage village, discover a range of memorabilia, and feel the power as awesome aircraft fly overhead."
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Patsy Kensit admits real reason she turned down Real Housewives of London as full cast line-up is revealed
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ACTRESS Patsy Kensit has revealed the real reason she turned down appearing on Real Housewives of London after being linked to joining the cast. Rumours were afloat that the legendary actress could be giving the London-based spin-off a go but she failed to be announced as part of the programme's cast for the Hayu original series. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Patsy Kensit has revealed why she turned down The Real Housewives of London Credit: Getty 4 The actress confirmed to The Sun she was approached for the show Credit: Getty 4 The line-up of ladies has since been revealed Credit: Getty Now, in an exclusive interview with The Sun, Patsy has confirmed that she was lined up be one of the Housewives but turned the programme down for a key reason. Speaking to The Sun at the British Soap Awards, where she presented one of the night's top prizes, Patsy revealed: "I did have a meeting with them. "I live in my little flat in West Hampstead with my cat. My sons have flown the nest. "I don't think my lifestyle would stand up to these women - I wouldn't fit with them. "But I'm a huge fan and I love the show. I think the whole franchise is just phenomenal. "Dawn Ward [Cheshire Housewife] is one of my favourites, I am a superfan of hers!" The Sun first revealed that Patsy had been in talks with show bosses earlier this year before the final cast for the UK's latest spin-off of the American franchise was revealed. A TV insider said at the time: 'The Real Housewives Of London is not about celebrities, but Patsy is typical of the calibre of people the producers are targeting. "She's an exception worth making in this case." The full line-up was unveiled just days later with a slew of stars with A-list connections confirmed to be on the bill. Patsy Kensit faces heartache after a 'tumultuous' split from her property tycoon fiance Patric Cassidy Karen Loderick-Peace will be returning to the franchise having previously appeared on another UK spin-off of the show in 2020, The Real Housewives of Jersey. Millionaire mogul Amanda Cronin is also one of the six ladies alongside former Ladies of London star Juliet Angus. J-Lo's pal Panthea Parker and Bake Off: The Professionals star Nessie Welschinger will also be letting fans into their lavish lives. Aussie socialite and model, Juliet Mayhew, who now lives in London, completes the line-up. 4 Patsy dished all at the British Soap Awards Credit: The Mega Agency
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Ryan Thomas shares wife's off-screen involvement in Sue Cleaver's Corrie exit
Ryan Thomas spent 16 years on the Corrie set with his mum Eileen, played by Sue Cleaver - so when she finally called it a day on the ITV soap, he was there to send her off Corrie star Ryan Thomas has given his wife Lucy Mecklenburgh a tour around his on-screen childhood home, as he paid tribute to his TV mum Eileen after Sue Cleaver's emotional departure from the soap. Ryan, 40, shares two children with TOWIE star Lucy Meck, but he had already left the show by the time they got together. Ryan spent his teenage years in Weatherfield, having joined the Manchester-based ITV soap in 2000. He stayed until 2016, when his character, builder Jason Grimshaw left the cobbles after being manipulated by his mum Eileen's partner Pat Phelan. But Jason wasn't killed off, and instead emigrated to Thailand, with his mum Eileen mentioning him often on the soap. And with Sue Cleaver finally leaving Corrie for good, he took the opportunity to show Lucy, 33, around the set. Sharing a video on Instagram of Lucy walking through the Grimshaws' living room, he wrote: "I was never with @lucymeck while I was in the show so it was nice to finally show my superfan where I grew up." Another clip showed Sue being given a round of applause, before hugging her on-screen sons Jason and Todd, who was played by Bruno Langley originally, and then Gareth Pierce since 2017. Ryan wrote: "Haven't seen it yet but Eileen/mother departed Weatherfield tonight, gone but never forgotten. "It has been an honour to watch, learn and act alongside you one last time. Can't wait to watch you shine in your next chapter. Love you always." Sue confirmed rumours that Ryan would be returning to the Cobbles for her send off. Speaking on soap podcast Off Script, she said: "I rang Ryan Thomas and I said, 'Ryan, I've not told work yet but I'm gonna leave. Would you come back? I'd really like you to take me out'. "He said, 'I wasn't planning to but I can't refuse that can I'. It just felt really right that he was there. It was lovely having him there. He's not changed at all." Following her final episode on Friday night, Sue's character Eileen was seen leaving for a new life in Thailand, alongside her son Jason. Simon Gregson's character Steve McDonald, Tony Maudsley's George Shuttleworth, and Eileen's son Todd, played by Gareth Pierce, all said goodbye to the matriarch before drivers from the local taxi firm honked their horns as she was driven off. In an Instagram post, Cleaver said: 'Well… that's a wrap. 25 years of laughs, tears, costumes, chaos — and one unforgettable journey. I'll miss this character like crazy, but what a ride it's been. Thank you for every moment.' Sue has played outspoken Eileen in the ITV show since 2000, who started her life in Weatherfield working on the phones at local taxi firm Streetcars. She arrived with her tearaway teenagers Jason and Todd, and became friends with her boss Steve. Sue came third on I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2022, where she opened up about reconciling with her birth mother. She also revealed how her family is 'bizarrely interconnected' to other Coronation Street stars, including Helen Worth (who plays Gail Platt) who is godmother to one of her half-sisters. Meanwhile, her other half-sister's husband, John Bowe, appeared on the cobbles as Duggie Ferguson. In 2024, Sue released a book A Work In Progress in which she discusses how she feels she is not past her prime, and has been a panellist on ITV daytime chat show Loose Women.
