Anansi Boys is an upcoming British fantasy miniseries created by Neil Gaiman based on Gaiman's novel of the same name, which follows the two sons of the spider-god Anansi.[1] The series is set to be released on Amazon Prime Video.
Anansi Boys | |
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Created by | Neil Gaiman |
Based on | Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman |
Written by |
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Starring | |
Country of origin | United Kingdom |
Original language | English |
No. of series | 1 |
No. of episodes | 6 |
Production | |
Executive producers |
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Cinematography | John Lee |
Production companies |
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Original release | |
Network | Prime Video |
The first and sixth episodes are written by Gaiman.[1]
In 2014, it was reported a BBC television miniseries of Anansi Boys was in the works.[2] It would be made by Red Production Company with Gaiman as executive producer.[3][4][5][6] The project did not come into fruition, and elements of it were instead incorporated into the Starz adaptation of American Gods.
In May 2020, it was reported that a miniseries adaptation was in development by Endor Productions for Amazon Prime Video.[7] It is a standalone story and not a spin off of American Gods.[8] In July 2021, it was announced Amazon had given the production a series order of 6 episodes. Amazon Studios, The Black Corporation, and Endor Productions are attached to the project; Red Production Company has on stayed to co-produce as well.[9]
Gaiman is the series' showrunner and executive producer. Douglas Mackinnon previously served as co-showrunner, but left the project in November 2022.[10] Gaiman is writing the series with Lenny Henry from the audio book, who is also executive producing. Arvind Ethan David, Kara Smith, and Racheal Ofori complete the writers' room.[8] Other executive producers include Hanelle Culpepper, Hilary Bevan Jones of Endor, and Richard Fee of Red.[11]
The same month as the greenlight, it was revealed Delroy Lindo would star as Mr. Nancy.[12] In September, it was announced Malachi Kirby would star as both of Mr. Nancy's sons, Fat Charlie and Spider.[11] Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn and Grace Saif were cast as the female leads Rosie Noah and Daisy Day respectively, as revealed in December.[13]
Casting additions in March 2022 saw Fiona Shaw, CCH Pounder, Jason Watkins, L. Scott Caldwell, Joy Richardson, and Lachele Carl round out the cast.[14] In April 2022, it was announced Whoopi Goldberg, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Emmanuel Ighodaro, Cecilia Noble, Ayanna Witter-Johnson and Don Gilet had also joined the cast.[15]
Principal photography began on 18 November 2021 at First Stage Studios in Leith.[16] The production received support from Screen Scotland.[8] In June 2022, Gaiman shared an update on Twitter, confirming principal photography had wrapped at the end of May and informing fans that post-production would take time.[17]