Alison Oliver, Sasha Lane, Joe Alwyn and Jemima Kirke have been cast in leading roles in Hulu and BBC Three’s “Conversations With Friends,” based on “Normal People” author Sally Rooney’s debut novel.
“Conversations with Friends” follows Frances (Oliver), a 21 year old college student, as she navigates a series of relationships that force her to confront her own vulnerabilities for the first time. Frances is observant, cerebral and sharp. Her ex-girlfriend, now best friend, Bobbi (Lane) is self-assured, outspoken and compelling. Though they broke up three years ago, Frances and Bobbi are virtually inseparable and perform spoken word poetry together in Dublin. It’s at one of their shows that they meet Melissa (Kirke), and older writer, who is fascinated by the pair. Bobbi and Frances start to spend time with Melissa and her husband, Nick (Alwyn), a handsome but reserved actor. While Melissa and Bobbi flirt with each other openly, Nick and Frances embark on an intense secret affair that is surprising to them both. Soon the affair begins to test the bond between Frances and Bobbi, forcing Frances to reconsider her sense of self, and the friendship she holds so dear.
The 12-episode series hails from Hulu’s “Normal People” adaptation team, Ed Guiney, Lenny Abrahamson and Alice Birch, with Abrahamson directing, along with Leanne Welham, and Birch writing alongside Mark O’Halloran, Meadhbh McHugh and Susan Soon He Stanton.
Production on the show will begin this year in Dublin, Belfast, and international locations yet to be confirmed. The series is scheduled to premiere in 2022 on Hulu in the US and premiere on BBC Three and air on BBC One in the UK.
“Conversations with Friends” is executive produced by Guiney, Emma Norton and Andrew Lowe for Element Pcitures. Rooney and Abrahamson are also executive producers, with Tommy Bulfin an EP for the BBC. Catherine Magee will serve as series producer and Jeanie Igoe is a producer.
The series is an Element Pictures production for Hulu and BBC Three. Endeavor Content is handling international sales.
Oliver is repped by Curtis Brown. Lane is repped by WME, The Long Run’s Amy BonFleur, Attorney Andres Des Rochers, and Narrative. Alwyn is repped by CAA, Independent Talent Group, and Slate PR. Kirke is repped by CAA, Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin and Dunham, and Viewpoint.