Queenie: Here’s our first look at the TV adaptation of the award-winning novel
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After years of anticipation, fans of Candice Carty-Williams’ bestselling book Queenie can finally catch a glimpse of the upcoming TV series adaptation. The novel, which was published in 2019 and went on to win Book of the Year at the 2020 British Book Awards, follows the journey of Queenie Jenkins, a bold 25-year-old British-Jamaican woman trying to navigate the challenges of straddling two cultures.
Known for its exploration of life, love, race, and family, Queenie has been praised for its inspirational, funny, and wise tone. The novel paints a vibrant picture of the Black British community in south London and has resonated with readers around the world.
The cast for the highly-anticipated Channel 4 series was announced in May, with Dionne Brown taking on the titular role of Queenie Jenkins. Joining her are singer Bellah as Queenie’s childhood friend Kyazike and BAFTA-nominated actor Samuel Adewunmi as Frank, Kyazike’s older cousin and Queenie’s intellectual match.
The eight-part adaptation is helmed by creator and showrunner Candice Carty-Williams herself, who also wrote the BBC drama series Champion, described as a love letter to British Black music. Carty-Williams brings her unique perspective and storytelling prowess to the small screen, promising an authentic and captivating portrayal of Queenie’s world.
A teaser clip for the series was released, giving viewers a glimpse into Queenie’s chaotic family dinner. The scene unfolds around the Christmas table as Queenie’s loud and eccentric family gathers to say grace before their meal. However, what starts as a thoughtful moment quickly descends into chaos as Queenie’s grandmother Veronica, played by Llewella Gideon, hilariously decides who should and shouldn’t receive a blessing.
In an interview with Vogue, Carty-Williams expressed her admiration for the cast’s dedication to bringing Queenie to life. She commended Brown and the rest of the ensemble for infusing their characters with depth and authenticity, making each episode a rollercoaster of emotions. Carty-Williams added that she had watched every episode countless times and was still moved by the performances, laughing, crying, screaming, and even covering her eyes in horror.
The series is set against the backdrop of south London, capturing the essence of the vibrant community that Queenie calls home. The beautiful score, composed by producer Swindle, perfectly complements the narrative and adds another layer of depth to the storytelling.
The official synopsis of Queenie reads: “A South London stalwart, journalist, loyal friend, not-so-loyal daughter and granddaughter, a sometimes catastrophist, an occasional mess, but more often than not an undervalued success – who is always, always enough. Queenie is a razor-sharp, utterly honest, blisteringly funny and achingly yet beautifully relatable series, full of as much heart and soul as the lady herself. At its core, it’s a story about a young Black woman’s value and the unrelenting trials and tribulations of life.”
Queenie’s journey begins after a messy breakup from her long-term boyfriend Tom, portrayed by Jon Pointing (Big Boys). Seeking solace in all the wrong places, Queenie realizes that she must confront her past head-on before she can rebuild her life.
Fans of the novel can expect the TV adaptation of Queenie to premiere on Channel 4 in the UK and Hulu in the US in 2024. With its powerful themes, relatable characters, and talented cast, the series is sure to captivate audiences and spark important conversations about identity, relationships, and the pursuit of self-worth.
In conclusion, the first look at the TV adaptation of Candice Carty-Williams’ Queenie has finally arrived, much to the delight of fans worldwide. The highly-anticipated series promises to bring the vibrant world of Queenie Jenkins to life, exploring themes of love, race, and family with heart, humor, and authenticity. With an incredible cast and Carty-Williams’ creative vision at the helm, Queenie is set to make a lasting impact when it premieres on Channel 4 and Hulu in 2024.
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