Neil Pond
Updated on: October 8, 2024 1:34 pm GMT
Sophie Turner, best known for her role in “Game of Thrones,” steps into the shoes of a notorious jewel thief in the new crime drama series ”Joan.” The first official trailer for the six-part series was released on August 30, 2024, revealing a glimpse of Turner’s character, Joan Hannington, who earned the title of “the Godmother of crime.” Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1980s London, the series intricately weaves a compelling narrative of survival and transformation.
Overview of “Joan”
“Joan,” produced by Snowed-In Productions, has been pre-purchased by various networks worldwide, including Canal+ for France and French-speaking territories, CBC in Canada, Prime Video in Africa, and NBCUniversal (NBCU) in Latin America. These agreements assure that audiences across multiple regions will have access to the series following its debut on ITV in the UK and The CW in the US.
- European Pre-Buyers: Platforms in Europe include Magenta TV in Germany, SVT in Sweden, NPO in the Netherlands, DR in Denmark, NRK in Norway, YLE in Finland, and Blue Entertainment in Switzerland and Lichtenstein.
- Americas: BritBox has secured a second window for Canada with CBC holding the first.
- Asia: BBC Studios acquired rights for BBC First and BBC Player, while Pumpkin Films has licensed the series for distribution in China.
- Oceania: Pre-sales have been arranged with Stan in Australia and Sky Network Television in New Zealand.
Louise Pedersen, CEO at All3Media International, expressed optimism over the series’ global reach, stating, “Our earlier co-production agreement with The CW combined with this raft of new pre-sales will ensure viewers around the world can experience Joan’s compelling story.” The anticipation for the series continues to build as more acquisitions are expected to be announced.
Plotline and Character Development
The narrative of “Joan” takes inspiration from the life of the real-life jewel thief Joan Hannington. Written by acclaimed screenwriter Anna Symon, who has previously worked on “Mrs. Lowry & Son” and “The Essex Serpent,” the series aims to capture a riveting and emotional journey set in a notable decade known for its fashion and cultural significance.
The series opens with Joan portrayed as a fiery, uncompromising figure in her twenties, a devoted mother to her daughter, Kelly, while navigating a perilous marriage with her violent husband, Gary. Following his disappearance, she seizes the opportunity to rebuild her life, adopting new identities and striking up new relationships as she becomes a master jewel thief. Her quest is fueled by a compelling desire to provide a secure life for her daughter.
As viewers follow Joan’s exploits, they witness her intelligence, charm, and exceptional talent for impersonation in a fast-paced, high-stakes world of crime. The character’s development encapsulates an engaging blend of heartache and joy, offering audiences a multifaceted look at her life and motivations.
Supporting Cast and Crew
Alongside Sophie Turner, the series features a talented cast including Frank Dillane, who plays Boisie, a London antique dealer; Kirsty J. Curtis as Nancy, Joan’s sister; and Gershwyn Eustache Jnr in the role of Albie, an old acquaintance of Boisie.
The production is helmed by BAFTA award-winning director Richard Laxton, known for his work on “Rain Dogs” and “The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe.” Laxton’s vision aims to bring the exhilarating yet emotional story of Joan Hannington to life, making it a highly anticipated addition to the drama landscape.
- Sophie Turner: Joan Hannington
- Frank Dillane: Boisie
- Kirsty J. Curtis: Nancy
- Gershwyn Eustache Jnr: Albie
- Laura Aikman: Val
- Other notable actors include Nick Blood, Jack Greenlees, Alex Blake, Caroline Faber, and Dorothy Atkinson.
Release Information
The exciting new series “Joan” will premiere this September on ITV1 and ITVX. Fans are eager to see this show because it offers great stories and interesting characters. With many international viewers already interested, “Joan” looks like it will be a fantastic addition to the world of drama series.
