Scott Frank, the mastermind behind the immensely successful The Queen’s Gambit, is set to bring another literary gem to life with the Netflix adaptation of Jussi Adler-Olsen’s Department Q.
The star-studded cast includes Matthew Goode, Chloe Pirrie, Alexej Manvelov, Kelly Macdonald, and Leah Byrne, promising a gripping narrative that delves into the world of cold cases and complex characters, Variety reports.
Goode, known for his roles in The King’s Man, takes on the lead as Carl Morck, a former top-rated detective haunted by guilt after a tragic incident. Assigned to a new cold case, Morck reluctantly sets up Department Q, initially perceived as a mere public relations stunt.
However, as the series unfolds, Morck’s detective instincts resurface, turning his basement department into a haven for misfits and mavericks.
The ensemble cast also features standout performances from Merritt, played by Leah Byrne, a ruthless prosecutor with a troubled past, and Alexej Manvelov, portraying Akram, a former Syrian police officer seeking refuge in Europe. The dynamics between the characters promise to add layers of complexity to the narrative.
Kelly Macdonald shines as the therapist tasked with bringing officers back to the front line. Her character, astute and perceptive, forms a compelling connection with Morck, unraveling his trauma and superiority complex over the course of the series.
Scott Frank, along with a talented team of writers including Chandni Lakhani, Stephen Greenhorn, and Colette Kane, weaves a narrative that combines suspense, drama, and unexpected alliances.
The eight-part series, currently in production in Edinburgh, is produced by Left Bank Pictures and executive produced by Rob Bullock, Scott Frank, Chandni Lakhani, and Andy Harries.
With the powerhouse cast and Scott Frank at the helm, Department Q is poised to be another Netflix sensation, offering viewers a thrilling journey into the intricacies of unsolved cases and the complexities of human nature.