Robin Stevens’ “Murder Most Unladylike” bestselling series of children’s mystery books are being adapted for TV by StudioCanal.
Created by Stevens and written for television by Anna McCleery (“Free Rein,” “The Lady Grace Mysteries”), the returning six-part series has James Strong (“Broadchurch,” “Mr Bates vs. The Post Office”) attached as lead director.
Described as blending “Enola Holmes” with Agatha Christie, “Murder Most Unladylike” is a twisty murder mystery series set in the 1930s centered around two rebellious teen female detectives living together at boarding school.
The series is based on the multi-million copy best-selling books, originally published by Puffin (an imprint of Penguin Random House Children’s) in the U.K. and by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers in the USA. With 12 books in the main series, in addition to a three-book spin-off series, it has been translated into 21 languages, selling over 3.1 million copies globally.
“It has always been my dream to bring Hazel and Daisy and their world to life on screen, and I can’t think of better partners to make that dream a reality. Strong Film & TV have an incredible crime pedigree, and Studiocanal are the caretakers of beloved family IP like Paddington and Miffy,” said Stevens. “I am so proud to be working with them, and with award-winning writer Anna McCleery – there is so much personal passion within the team, and I know that together we are going to create a version of ‘Murder Most Unladylike’ that will both delight fans and introduce my stories to a huge new audience.”
Director Strong’s Strong Film + Television will EP alongside Matt Tombs and Loretta Preece. Studiocanal invested in the company in 2023. The series marks the the first development under Stevens’ newly formed film and television production banner Unladylike Productions.
“We are delighted to be working with the exceptionally talented Robin Stevens, Anna McCleery and the Strong Film + Television team to bring ‘Murder Most Unladylike’ to life,” said M-K Kennedy, managing director of Studiocanal Television. “The books are a rare and exciting blend of twisty Agatha Christie-style whodunnits, female empowerment, and glossy aspirational settings; all centred around a rich and loveable depiction of female friendship. The lead characters Daisy and Hazel are a duo worthy of Watson & Holmes stature, beloved by millions of fans across the world for their independence, curiosity and wicked sense of humour.”
Studiocanal Kids & Family will handle worldwide merchandising and licensing.
variety.com
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