Bella Ramsey is set to take on the lead role in the upcoming Channel 4 thriller drama, Maya, written and created by Daisy Haggard, who will also mark her directorial debut on the project. The six-part series produced by Two Brothers Pictures will feature Ramsey as Maya, a teenager who, along with her mother Anna, portrayed by Haggard, enters a witness protection program and relocates to a small town in rural Scotland.
Their past traumas linger as they attempt to adapt to their new identities while being pursued by hitmen. The show promises to blend atmospheric storytelling with dark comedy, reflective of Haggard’s previous works like Back to Life and Breeders. Themes of family, love, predatory male behavior, and the resilient bond between mother and daughter are expected to be central.
Channel 4 first announced the series in February as part of a broader drama initiative, which also includes a new adaptation of A Woman of Substance and Jack Thorne’s Falling. The filming of Maya will take place entirely in Scotland later this year, with more casting news to follow.
Ramsey, who has gained significant prominence from her roles in The Last of Us and Game of Thrones, expressed excitement over the opportunity, highlighting the vibrant and complex characters crafted by Haggard. Haggard, who rose to fame through roles in comedies such as Uncle and Episodes, also spoke about her enthusiasm for directing and working collaboratively with Ramsey, underscoring the special connection between their characters.
Maya marks the continued rise of Bella Ramsey in the industry, with their impressive versatility shone through past performances in a range of genres. The collaboration between Ramsey and Haggard is expected to resonate with audiences, drawing from the unique dynamics of the characters they portray.
Two Brothers Pictures is notable for producing acclaimed dramas in the UK, and their involvement alongside All3Media implies a strong production backing for Maya. The show promises to be a significant addition to the current landscape of drama on Channel 4, which has recently seen a string of successful releases.
Overall, this collaboration is reflective of not only the talent present in both Ramsey and Haggard but also of the growing commitment to creating meaningful narratives that explore complex relationships.