Richard Osman has offered a promising update on the Netflix adaptation of his bestselling mystery novel We Solve Murders. The British presenter and author was asked about the project during an appearance on BBC’s The One Show and, while he stopped short of announcing a release date or confirming exactly what form the adaptation will take, he made it clear that work with Netflix is ongoing.
“Well, I can’t say. But yes,” Osman said. He added, “Certainly that’s what we’re up to at the moment with our friends at Netflix. That’ll be very exciting.”
The update comes roughly two years after Netflix acquired the rights to We Solve Murders and just days before Osman releases the novel’s sequel, We Chase Shadows.
Is Richard Osman’s We Solve Murders Coming To Netflix?
It appears the adaptation is still in development at Netflix. Osman had previously confirmed in February 2024 that the streamer had acquired the rights to We Solve Murders, months before the book was published in September that year.
At the time, he joked that the project could lead to a “busy few years” unless readers decided the story was not for them. Now, his latest comments suggest the adaptation has not been quietly abandoned. Osman confirmed that he and Netflix are currently working on the project, although details about its format, cast and release date have yet to be announced.
What Is We Solve Murders About?
We Solve Murders follows Amy Wheeler, an adrenaline-seeking private-security professional who is hired to protect bestselling author Rosie D’Antonio on a remote island. The seemingly idyllic assignment takes a dangerous turn when a dead body and a bag of money are discovered.
Amy then reaches out to her retired detective father-in-law, Steve Wheeler, and the unlikely pair work together to solve the murder and track down the person responsible. The novel combines murder mystery, action and humour, with Amy, Rosie and Steve forming the central trio.
Does Richard Osman Want Meryl Streep In We Solve Murders?
Osman already has a dream actor in mind for one of the story’s biggest characters. The author has said he would love to see Meryl Streep play Rosie D’Antonio, the glamorous and flamboyant bestselling author at the centre of the mystery.
Rosie is loosely inspired by legendary novelist Jackie Collins, making Streep an intriguing choice for the role. However, Osman has also acknowledged that he has not actually approached Streep about playing the character.
Will Richard Osman Write The We Solve Murders Adaptation?
Osman’s latest project also comes after his experience with Netflix’s adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club. While he has celebrated seeing his work brought to the screen, Osman has previously expressed mixed feelings about some of the creative changes made during the adaptation process.
That experience has influenced his thinking about future adaptations of his books, with the author expressing a desire to have greater involvement in the scripts himself. Whether he will ultimately write or co-write the We Solve Murders screenplay remains unclear.
When Is We Chase Shadows Being Released?
While fans wait for news about the Netflix adaptation, Osman is expanding the literary universe. The sequel, We Chase Shadows, is scheduled to be released on September 15.
The upcoming book gives fans another reason to return to Osman’s mystery world while the future of We Solve Murders on Netflix continues to take shape.
