Bella Ramsey has landed a lead role in the highly anticipated Channel 4 thriller Maya, directed by Daisy Haggard. This series promises to deliver a gripping narrative filled with suspense and emotional depth.
Bella Ramsey Takes the Lead in Channel 4’s Thriller Maya
EXCLUSIVE: Bella Ramsey has secured her next role as the titular daughter in Daisy Haggard’s Channel 4 thriller drama Maya. Haggard will also make her directorial debut in this Two Brothers Pictures-produced series, co-directed by Jamie Donoughue (Doctor Who).
Plot Overview
Ramsey, known for her roles in Time and The Last of Us, will co-lead the six-part series alongside BAFTA-nominated Haggard, who is the writer and creator. In Maya, Ramsey portrays Maya, the teenage daughter of Anna (Haggard). The duo leaves their life in London and enters a witness protection program, adopting new identities in a small rural Scottish town. Their traumatic past continues to haunt them as they attempt to settle into their new life, pursued by two hitmen.
Channel 4’s Drama Slate
Channel 4 announced the series in February, as part of a drama slate that also includes a new adaptation of A Woman of Substance, the network’s most-watched drama to date, and Falling, a series from Adolescence writer Jack Thorne.
Thematic Elements
Maya is described as atmospheric and darkly comic, echoing the warm and humorous style of Haggard’s previous works, including Back to Life and Breeders. The series explores themes such as predatory male behavior, family dynamics, love, and the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.
Production Details
Shooting is set to take place entirely in Scotland later this year, with additional casting announcements expected soon.
Ramsey’s Enthusiasm
“This story and these characters Daisy has created are so alive, nuanced, wickedly funny, and scarily dark,” said Ramsey. “Every character jumps off the page, the dialogue is incredibly witty, and I’m so excited to play Maya opposite Daisy’s Anna.”
Ramsey’s Rising Star
Ramsey’s star continues to rise following the conclusion of Season 2 of HBO’s The Last of Us, which garnered a cross-platform audience of 3.7 million. They are also set to portray infamous British terror suspect Samantha Lewthwaite in Bruce Goodinson’s Girl Next Door and have been cast alongside Louis Partridge and Ruby Stokes in George Jaques’ Sunny Dancer. Ramsey first gained recognition for their role as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones.
Previous Collaborations
Maya marks another collaboration between Haggard and Ramsey, who previously played mother-daughter roles in the Netflix series Hilda.
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Haggard’s Vision
“Ever since I first dreamt up this show, there has only ever been one Maya,” said Haggard. “I wrote the part with Bella so clearly in my head and I honestly still can’t believe they want to be part of it. Bella is pure magic, just insanely talented, and I can’t wait for us to work together. I’m also thrilled to be taking the leap into directing, and excited to have the opportunity to co-direct the series alongside the brilliant Jamie Donoughue.”
Haggard’s Background
Haggard gained prominence through roles in BBC comedies Uncle and Episodes, and co-wrote and starred in Back to Life. She also starred in Breeders, which ran for four seasons, and appeared in Hilda.
Production Insights
Maya was among the final commissions made by Channel 4 Drama Director Madden before his transition to Netflix. He ordered the show alongside Gemma Boswell, Channel 4’s Commissioning Editor for Drama. Two Brothers Pictures is producing the series, in association with All3Media International for international sales.
Excitement from Channel 4
“We are thrilled to have Bella join the cast of Maya. It’s testament to the wit and depth of Daisy’s writing to attract such fantastic talent, and we can’t wait to see the dynamic of Maya and Anna on-screen,” said Boswell.
Production Team
Haggard serves as creator, writer, and executive producer, alongside Harry and Jack Williams, Sarah Hammond, Alex Mercer, and Daisy Mount for Two Brothers. Kenny Tanner is the producer, Donoughue is co-director and co-executive producer, and Shaheen Baig is the casting director.
Two Brothers Pictures
Two Brothers is one of the UK’s most prolific drama houses, known for producing acclaimed shows such as Fleabag, Liar, Baptiste, and The Tourist.
Final Thoughts
Two Brothers’ Mount and Mercer stated, “Bella Ramsey is one of the most incredible talents of their generation and the only Maya we had in mind to play alongside Daisy’s Anna. The two characters share such a unique and special relationship and are the heart and soul of the project, and we know Bella and Daisy will bring them to life in a way that will resonate deeply with viewers.”
Representation
Haggard is represented by B-Side, Lark, UTA, and Tapestry, while Ramsey is represented by Conway van Gelder Grant, Tapestry, and Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman.
