Bella Ramsey has lined up their next major role, headlining the new Channel 4 thriller Maya alongside BAFTA-nominated actor and writer Daisy Haggard, who also makes her directorial debut with the series, reported Deadline exclusively.
Created by Haggard and produced by Two Brothers Pictures, Maya is a six-part drama following a mother and daughter who flee their lives in London and enter a witness protection program, assuming new identities in a remote Scottish town. Ramsey takes on the title role of Maya, the teenage daughter of Anna (played by Haggard), as the pair battle old traumas while being hunted by two relentless hitmen.
The show promises a unique blend of dark comedy and psychological tension. Channel 4 describes Maya as “atmospheric and darkly comic,” continuing the tonal thread of Haggard’s previous work, including Back to Life and Breeders. Thematically, the series tackles issues such as predatory male behavior, familial bonds, love, and survival.
“This story and these characters Daisy has created are so alive, nuanced, wickedly funny and scarily dark,” said Ramsey. “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.”
This marks a reunion for Haggard and Ramsey, who previously played mother and daughter in Netflix’s acclaimed animated series Hilda. Haggard said she had Ramsey in mind from the start. She said, “Ever since I first dreamt up this show, there has only ever been one Maya. Bella is pure magic, just insanely talented, and I can’t wait for us to work together.”
The shooting will happen in Scotland later this year, with additional casting announcements expected soon. Haggard will co-direct with Doctor Who director Jamie Donoughue, and both serve as executive producers.
Maya was one of the last projects commissioned by Channel 4’s Head of Drama Carolyn Madden before her upcoming move to Netflix. Also on the channel’s upcoming drama slate is a new adaptation of A Woman of Substance and Falling, a series by Adolescence creator Jack Thorne.
The production team includes heavyweights from Two Brothers: Harry and Jack Williams, Sarah Hammond, Alex Mercer, and Daisy Mount. All3Media International is handling global sales. Casting is led by Shaheen Baig.
“We are thrilled to have Bella join the cast of Maya,” said Channel 4 Commissioning Editor Gemma Boswell. “It’s testament to the wit and depth of Daisy’s writing to entice such fantastic talent.”
Ramsey, who broke out as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones, has become one of the most compelling actors of their generation. Their lead role in The Last of Us drew wide acclaim, with the second season recently concluding in the U.S. with a cross-platform audience of 3.7 million. While previously attached to star in Girl Next Door, portraying terror suspect Samantha Lewthwaite, sources say Ramsey has since exited the project. They will also appear in George Jaques’ upcoming indie Sunny Dancer. Two Brothers’ Daisy Mount and Alex Mercer said, “Bella Ramsey is one of the most incredible talents of their generation and the only Maya we had in mind. The dynamic between Maya and Anna is the emotional core of the show — and we know Bella and Daisy will bring that to life with power and authenticity.”
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