Richard Gadd Lands New Drama Series ‘Lions’ Following ‘Baby Reindeer’ Controversy

Richard Gadd’s next television role has been revealed amid the ongoing lawsuit over ‘Baby Reindeer’. The British actor will star in, write, and executive produce a new series in collaboration with HBO and the BBC, currently titled ‘Lions.’

Set in Scotland, the series aims to “capture the wild energy of a changing city” as estranged brothers Niall and Ruben navigate a “difficult question: What does it mean to be a man?” The storyline kicks off with an explosive incident at Niall’s wedding, propelling viewers back through the brothers’ lives. 

Also Read: Why ‘Baby Reindeer’ And Other True Story Series Face Constant Legal Battles

Spanning almost forty years, from the 1980s to the present day, the series explores the highs and lows of their relationship, capturing all the good, bad, terrible, funny, angry, and challenging moments. In a statement, Gadd expressed his excitement about working with HBO, recalling how receiving box sets of the network’s shows like ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘The Wire’ were some of the happiest moments of his childhood. 

“Since then, it has always been a dream of mine to work with HBO and be part of their iconic roster of shows,” he said. “I am so grateful to Francesca Orsi, Kara Buckley, and Clint LaVigne for taking this chance on the show and on Ruben and Niall too, who – despite growing up in a dead-end Scottish town – would be absolutely pinching themselves at this! I cannot wait to get started.”

Meanwhile, Fiona Harvey, who inspired the fictional stalker Martha in ‘Baby Reindeer’, played by Jessica Gunning, has been speaking out following the series’ success. Initially anonymous, she told the Daily Mail in April that she felt victimized by Gadd’s portrayal, accusing him of using the show to “stalk” her. 

Earlier this month, Harvey escalated her claims by filing a lawsuit against Netflix. She alleges that the portrayal of Martha is defamatory and inaccurate, accusing Netflix and Gadd of “destroying” her livelihood and seeking more than $170 million in damages.

-Sushmita Sarkar