The highly anticipated television adaptation of Candice Carty-Williams’ bestselling novel, “Queenie,” has commenced production in South London. The eight-episode drama series, a collaboration between Channel 4 and Disney’s Onyx Collective, features an exceptional cast including Dionne Brown, Samuel Adewunmi, Bellah, Sally Phillips, Jon Pointing, Tilly Keeper, Llewella Gideon, Michelle Greenidge, Cristale De’Abreu, Elisha Applebaum, and Mim Shaikh.
Dionne Brown portrays the titular character, Queenie Jenkins, a Jamaican British woman navigating the complexities of her dual cultural identity in South London. Following a tumultuous breakup with her long-term boyfriend, Tom (played by Jon Pointing), Queenie embarks on a journey of self-discovery that forces her to confront her past before rebuilding her life.
Samuel Adewunmi takes on the role of Frank, an ambitious man with grand plans, while Bellah makes her screen debut as Kyazike, Queenie’s loyal best friend from school. Sally Phillips portrays Gina, the tough-minded editor at The Daily Read, Queenie’s workplace, and Tilly Keeper plays Queenie’s colleague Darcy. Elisha Applebaum embodies Queenie’s university best friend Cassandra, and Mim Shaikh portrays the street-smart Adi.
Joining the cast as Queenie’s family are Llewella Gideon as Grandma Veronica, Michelle Greenidge as Aunty Maggie, and Cristale De’Abreu in her television debut as Queenie’s younger cousin Diana.
Candice Carty-Williams, the creator of “Queenie,” expressed her excitement about the talented ensemble cast, emphasising their ability to breathe life into the characters she has cherished for almost a decade. Carty-Williams also serves as the showrunner and executive producer of the series.
Dionne Brown expressed her delight in bringing Queenie to the screen, describing the opportunity as a dream come true. She expressed eagerness for viewers to witness the remarkable work that has taken place behind the scenes.
“Queenie” is produced by Further South Productions in association with Lionsgate TV. The series will be available on Channel 4 in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, while streaming exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ in all other territories. The script for “Queenie” is written by Candice Carty-Williams, Ryan Calais Cameron, Yolanda Mercy, Natasha Brown, and Thara Popoola. The directing duties are undertaken by Joelle Mae David and Makalla McPherson.
The collaboration between Channel 4 and Disney’s Onyx Collective promises an engaging and captivating adaptation of the beloved novel, bringing Queenie’s story to a wider audience worldwide.
