Channel 4 has announced that Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us, Time) will co-lead the cast of Maya, the new drama written and created by BAFTA and International Emmy-nominated Daisy Haggard (Back To Life, Breeders). Starring alongside Ramsey, Haggard (pictured) will also make her directorial debut and co-direct the original Two Brothers (The Tourist, Fleabag, Boat Story) series alongside Jamie Donoughue (Doctor Who, The Last Kingdom).
Ramsey plays the titular, Maya, teenage daughter of Anna (Haggard). Forced into a witness protection programme to escape a life-threatening danger, Anna and Maya leave their London lives behind, taking on new identities and relocating to a small rural town in Scotland. As they try to adjust to their new reality, the trauma of their past continues to haunt them in the form of two hitmen intent on tracking them down. As the walls close in, it becomes clear that a dangerous figure from their past is still a looming threat.
Darkly comedic, and shot through with Haggard’s trademark warmth and humour, the series is an unmissable, atmospheric psychological thriller that explores themes of predatory male behaviour, family and love, but, above all, is a warm and witty celebration of the special, unbreakable bond shared between mother and daughter.
The series will be filmed entirely on location in Scotland later this year, with further casting announced in due course.
Bella Ramsey said: “This story and these characters Daisy has created are so alive, nuanced, wickedly funny and scarily dark. Every character jumps off the page, the dialogue is incredibly witty and I’m so excited to get to play Maya opposite Daisy’s Anna.”
Daisy Haggard, writer, creator and co-director, said: “Ever since I first dreamt up this show, there has only ever been one Maya… I wrote the part with Bella so clearly in my head and I honestly still can’t believe they want to be part of it. Bella is pure magic, just insanely talented, and I can’t wait for us to work together. I’m also thrilled to be taking the leap into directing, and excited to have the opportunity to co-direct the series alongside the brilliant Jamie Donoughue.”
Daisy Mount and Alex Mercer, Executive Producers for Two Brothers add: “Bella Ramsey is one of the most incredible talents of their generation and the only Maya we had in mind to play alongside Daisy’s Anna. The two characters share such a unique and special relationship and are the heart and soul of the project and we know Bella and Daisy will bring them to life in a way that will resonate deeply with viewers.”
Gemma Boswell, Commissioning Editor, Channel 4 Drama, said: “We are thrilled to have Bella join the cast of Maya. It’s testament to the wit and depth of Daisy’s writing to entice such fantastic talent and we can’t wait to see the dynamic of Maya and Anna on-screen.”
Maya was commissioned for Channel 4 by Ollie Madden, Director of Film4 and Channel 4 Drama and Gemma Boswell, Commissioning Editor, Drama. It is a Two Brothers Pictures (an All3Media company) production, in association with All3Media International. The 6x60 drama has been written and created by Daisy Haggard who will also serve as Executive Producer, with Harry and Jack Williams, Sarah Hammond, Alex Mercer and Daisy Mount serving as Executive Producers for Two Brothers Pictures. Kenny Tanner is Producer, Jamie Donoughue will co-direct and serve as Co-Executive Producer and Shaheen Baig is Casting Director.
