Acclaimed screenwriter Sally Wainwright takes us on a swashbuckling adventure.
The first official images from Sally Wainwright’s Happy Valley follow-up have been released – and it looks to be a bold new direction for the acclaimed screenwriter.
Following the blockbuster final season of the police thriller and other successes – including the gone-too-soon Gentleman Jack – it appears the celebrated British screenwriter had no trouble catching the eye of streaming giant Disney Plus.
Over the last 18 months, she has been cooking up an exciting adventure series for the platform, which explores the 18th century rivalry between Nell (Derry Girls star Louisa Harland) and her arch-nemesis, the Earl of Poynton (Trigger Point‘s Adrian Lester).
When Nell is framed for murder, unexpectedly earning the reputation of a notorious highwaywoman, she has no choice but to go on the run – but things get even stranger when a magical spirit named Billy Blind (Nick Mohammed) appears.
Previously titled The Ballad of Renegade Nell, the full series is coming soon to Disney Plus – and we simply cannot wait. Here’s everything we know so far about the show, along with some advance images of the larger-than-life characters.
The Ballad of Renegade Nell release date speculation
Disney Plus is yet to announce a release date for The Ballad of Renegade Nell, but it appears likely that the series will premiere at some point in 2024.
The fantasy drama began filming back in July 2022 so it is likely in the post-production stage by now, with the recent release of images from the show suggesting that edits are nearing completion.
We’ll update this page with more on The Ballad of Renegade Nell release schedule as soon as details are confirmed. For now, watch this space.
The Ballad of Renegade Nell cast
As you would expect from a Sally Wainwright production, The Ballad of Renegade Nell has a stellar cast led by Louisa Harland (Derry Girls) in the title role of an infamous highwaywoman in 18th century England.
Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso) co-stars as “plucky but prickly” friend Billy Blind, while Adrian Lester (Trigger Point) plays the Earl of Poynton, Nell’s arch-nemesis described as a “master manipulator”.
Alice Kremelberg (The Sinner) will portray the widowed Sofia Wilmot, who joins the Earl’s treacherous side as she seeks to find independence at any and all cost.
Meanwhile, Frank Dillane (The Essex Serpent) has been cast as charming rogue Charles Devereux, with Joely Richardson (The Sandman) stepping into the role of eccentric newspaper magnate Lady Eularia Moggerhanger.
Newcomers Bo Bragason and Florence Keen make their screen debut here, portraying Nell’s younger sisters, with Line of Duty alum Craig Parkinson as their kind-hearted father.
Lastly, Pip Torrens (The Crown) appears as Lord Blancheford and Jake Dunn (The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself) as Thomas Blancheford – father and brother to Sofia – while Enyi Okoronkwo (The Lazarus Project) plays spirited stable boy Rasselas.
What is The Ballad of Renegade Nell about?
The series follows “a quick-witted and courageous young woman who finds herself framed for murder and unexpectedly becomes the most notorious highwaywoman in 18th Century England”, according to the synopsis from Disney.
Over time, she discovers that there’s a dangerous reason why she has ended up on the wrong side of the law, which could have something to do with the scheming Earl of Poynton – her chief adversary.
Is there a The Ballad of Renegade Nell trailer?
Not yet! We’ll update this page with footage from The Ballad of Renegade Nell as soon as it drops.
Renegade Nell is coming soon to Disney Plus. Sign up to Disney Plus for £7.99 a month or £79.90 for a year. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on.
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