Golden Globe winner Gillan Anderson (The Crown, Sex Education) has officially joined the Trespasses cast for the upcoming Channel 4 drama series. It will be based on Louise Kennedy’s breakout debut novel, which was published in 2023.
Anderson is set to play the role of Gina, described as a “glorious wreck who is constantly sparring with her daughter.” In addition to starring, Anderson will also serve as an executive producer. This marks the acclaimed actress’ latest TV project since Netflix’s Sex Education had ended its four-season run last year. The X-Files vet will also next be seen in Kurt Sutter’s Western drama series The Abandons, along with Lena Headey and Lucas Till.
“I fell in love with Louise’s stunning book when I read it in proof,” Anderson said in a press release. “I was immediately drawn to the tragi-comic creation that is Gina and couldn’t resist when Louise asked me to play her. Reading Ailbhe’s brilliant scripts confirmed how vividly this story could translate to screen and with Dawn at the helm and Lola and Tom alongside, I’m delighted to be part of the Trespasses family.”
Who will lead the Trespasses cast?
The Trespasses will also be led by Lola Petticrew (Bloodlands, Tuesday) and Tom Cullen (The Gold, Weekend). They have been tapped to portray the respective roles of Cushla, whose hopes and dreams have been frustrated by the grind of daily life, and barrister Michael. The four-part adaptation will be written by Ailbhe Keogan (Bad Sisters), with Dawn Shadforth set as the director. It is executive produced by Kennedy, Amanda Posey, Dawn Shadforth, and Finola Dwyer, with Maria Mulhall set as a producer.
“The story is set in 1975, in a town outside Belfast. Whilst working one night behind the bar of her family pub, serving a mixed crowd including the locally stationed soldiers, Catholic schoolteacher Cushla meets Michael, an older Protestant married man, who often defends IRA suspects and is friends with cultured Bohemians who enrage and intrigue Cushla,” reads the official logline. “Worlds apart, Cushla knows a relationship like this spells all kinds of trouble, but they are irresistibly drawn to one another. In a place where loose lips cost lives and danger lurks in the shadows, amidst the fear and paranoia, this illicit affair between Cushla and Michael ignites and burns bright…”
