Netflix is set to bring the beloved mystery tale THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB to life on screen, premiering on August 28, 2025. Directed by Chris Columbus, the film features a stellar cast including Helen Mirren as ex-spy Elizabeth, Ben Kingsley as ex-psychiatrist Ibrahim, Pierce Brosnan as ex-union activist Ron, and Celia Imrie as ex-nurse Joyce. Supporting cast includes Naomi Ackie (Donna De Freitas), Daniel Mays (DCI Chris Hudson), Henry Lloyd-Hughes (Bogdan), and Tom Ellis (Jason).
IS “THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB” BASED ON A BOOK?
Yes, the film is based on the 2020 novel The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, a former House of Games presenter. The book series follows a group of pensioners living in a peaceful retirement village who meet weekly to solve cold cases. However, their hobby takes a real turn when an actual murder mystery lands at their doorstep. The novel’s success spawned sequels: The Man Who Died Twice, The Bullet That Missed, The Last Devil to Die, and the upcoming The Impossible Fortune. Osman’s inspiration came from real-life conversations in his mother’s retirement community.
Producer Jennifer Todd immediately connected with the characters and brought on Chris Columbus, known for his skill in book-to-film adaptations like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Columbus stayed true to the novel’s tone and characters, making only necessary adjustments.
WHERE WAS “THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB” FILMED?
Principal photography took place between June and September 2024 across England, with picturesque villages and iconic estates bringing Fairhaven and Cooper’s Chase to life.
ALDBURY, HERTFORDSHIRE
Nestled in the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the village of Aldbury is no stranger to period drama filming. In The Thursday Murder Club, this scenic village becomes the fictional town of Fairhaven. The charming Aldbury Memorial Hall, with its quaint architecture and village green surroundings, is cleverly reimagined as the Fairhaven Police Station, home base for DCI Chris Hudson (Daniel Mays) and PC Donna De Freitas (Naomi Ackie).
During the July 2024 shoot, residents and passersby witnessed a scene being filmed outside the Memorial Hall. An Instagram post from the day mentions multiple takes being shot, capturing a brief yet crucial moment in the story. Aldbury has also featured in productions like Lord of Misrule and Hopscotch. Landmarks like the Stocks and Whipping Post and the St. John the Baptist Church, dating back to the 13th century, further contribute to the authentic British countryside ambiance.
BEACONSFIELD, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
The town of Beaconsfield, with its Georgian and Tudor architecture, added a dynamic edge to the film’s pacing. Stratton Road was temporarily closed for an action-packed car chase sequence, a rarity in the otherwise quiet neighborhood. This brought a thrilling change of pace to the traditionally dialogue-driven mystery.
The Red Lion Pub, which has stood in the town since the 16th century, served as a significant indoor and outdoor location for character interactions and community scenes. The pub’s rich wood interiors and ivy-covered exterior made it a picture-perfect fit for the film’s cozy yet lively setting. Beaconsfield has also hosted films such as This Sporting Life, After Life, and Brief Encounter.
Nearby landmarks include Bekonscot Model Village, the world’s oldest original model village, and the National Film and Television School, further cementing Beaconsfield’s place in UK’s cinematic culture.
ENGLEFIELD ESTATE, BERKSHIRE
Perhaps the grandest location of all, the Englefield Estate in Reading, Berkshire, brings the fictional Cooper’s Chase Retirement Village to life with elegance and prestige. This sprawling estate’s focal point, Englefield House, is a stunning Elizabethan country manor surrounded by formal gardens, parkland, and ancient woodland.
For the film, both exterior shots (showing the opulence of the retirement community) and interior shots (featuring lounge rooms, dining halls— and private suites) were captured here. The estate, which has appeared in The Crown, Cruella, and X-Men: First Class, provides an aristocratic aesthetic that subtly contrasts with the investigative antics of its elderly sleuths.
Visitors to the estate can often tour the gardens, and the St. Mark’s Church nearby—used in previous productions—adds yet another layer of cinematic history to the location.
GADDESDEN PLACE, HERTFORDSHIRE
Used primarily for interiors of Cooper’s Chase, Gaddesden Place is a Georgian mansion designed by famed architect James Wyatt. This majestic home, near Hemel Hempstead, has a sweeping double staircase and grand ballroom, perfect for the stylish world of Cooper’s Chase.
Its richly decorated interiors helped create key scenes where the four main characters—Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), and Joyce (Celia Imrie)—convene and strategize. Gaddesden’s film pedigree includes The Legend of Tarzan, Gothic, and the upcoming Anthony Hopkins film One Life.
The property is often used for photography and filming, and although it is privately owned, parts of the estate are occasionally available for hire for corporate and creative events.
SHEPPERTON STUDIOS, SURREY
No British production of this scale would be complete without work at Shepperton Studios. Now it’s part of the renowned Pinewood Studios Group. With more than 30 stages and extensive backlot space, Shepperton allowed the production team to build detailed sets for scenes requiring controlled lighting and weather—such as interiors of homes, investigation rooms, or recreated flashback sequences.
Nearby, the Little House, a stand-alone property within the studio grounds, was likely used for several domestic set-ups. Shepperton is a legendary hub for both indie and blockbuster filmmaking, with past credits like The Old Guard, Downton Abbey, The Sandman, and Captain America: The First Avenger.
Fun fact: Director Chris Columbus previously used Shepperton for Percy Jackson & The Olympians, and the seamless set transitions here helped blend real-world exteriors with studio interiors.
BTS MOMENTS & INSTAGRAM SHARES
Pierce Brosnan shared BTS images in August 2024, including one with Steven Spielberg, who is also a producer. The actor posted a candid shot with his 90-year-old mother Mary and co-stars, highlighting the camaraderie on set.
Author Richard Osman also posted an image of himself with Spielberg, humorously captioned: “Steven Spielberg meets a competition winner.” See post
Spielberg reunited with Paul Freeman on set, who played Belloq in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Other confirmed cast includes Jonathan Pryce as Stephen, Elizabeth’s husband, and Richard E. Grant in an undisclosed role. Osman confirmed he stepped back from creative involvement, trusting Spielberg’s vision.
OFFICIAL TRAILER
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