Is a Thursday Murder Club sequel likely? We look at the possibilities
It’s only been released on Netflix for a few days, but so far The Thursday Murder Club is looking a strong contender for a follow up. While we’re still pondering our review, we did find it an ideal watch for fans of cozy crime and do expect more to come. Let’s dig a little deeper.
What would a Thursday Murder Club sequel be?
The film is an adaptation of Richard Osman’s book of the same name — director Chris Columbus talks here about adapting a 400-page novel for a two-hour film — and fans will already know there are more in the series. As of this month, there will be five books in the series, the last four being: The Man Who Died Twice, The Bullet that Missed, The Last Devil to Die and The Impossible Fortune. Note also he has branched out with another novel — We Solve Murders.
As to the plot of The Man Who Died Twice:
Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim—the Thursday Murder Club—are still riding high off their recent real-life murder case and are looking forward to a bit of peace and quiet at Cooper’s Chase, their posh retirement village.
But they are out of luck.
An unexpected visitor—an old pal of Elizabeth’s (or perhaps more than just a pal?)—arrives, desperate for her help. He has been accused of stealing diamonds worth millions from the wrong men and he’s seriously on the lam.
Then, as night follows day, the first body is found. But not the last. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim are up against a ruthless murderer who wouldn’t bat an eyelid at knocking off four septuagenarians. Can our four friends catch the killer before the killer catches them? And if they find the diamonds, too? Well, wouldn’t that be a bonus? You should never put anything beyond the Thursday Murder Club.
But will it happen?
Cozy crime is a large market (as we’ve covered in other places, such as this guide), so the equation looks as simple as being a test of popularity. Talking to Variety, Columbus said:
… Netflix is just waiting to see what the reaction to the film is going to be. In other words, how many people are going to watch it on opening weekend?
… that is really what makes or breaks the next one or two films. How many people will watch on that first weekend? And once we find that out, in two weeks, we will know if we’re making a second or a third film.
Given the film is (at last time of checking) #1 in the UK, and with the first numbers due out later this week, we suspect a quick decision will come and we’d also predict it will be a double renewal. As ever, we’ll keep you posted.