Advertisement
Maya: Bella Ramsey is gearing up for a brand-new role, and this time, it’s deeply personal and a little dangerous. The Last of Us and Game of Thrones breakout will co-lead Maya, a six-part psychological thriller for Channel 4 created by Back to Life star Daisy Haggard.
The show follows Maya (played by Ramsey), a teenage girl forced into witness protection along with her mother Anna (Haggard), after their lives in London are turned upside down. Now tucked away in a rural town in Scotland, the two are trying to lay low, but their past isn’t done with them yet. Two hitmen are on the hunt, and the emotional baggage they carry might be just as heavy.
Haggard isn’t just acting, she’s also making her directorial debut here, sharing directing duties with Doctor Who’s Jamie Donoughue. The series is being produced by Two Brothers Pictures, the team behind hits like Fleabag, Boat Story, and The Tourist.
What do Bella Ramsey and Haggard think about ‘Maya’?
Ramsey seems thrilled about the project (just like all of us).
“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.”
Haggard has also had Ramsey in mind from day one.
“Ever since I first dreamt up this show, there has only ever been one Maya,” said Haggard. “I wrote the part with Bella so clearly in my head and I honestly still can’t believe they want to be part of it. Bella is pure magic, just insanely talented, and I can’t wait for us to work together. I’m also thrilled to be taking the leap into directing, and excited to have the opportunity to co-direct the series alongside the brilliant Jamie Donoughue.”
This isn’t the first time the two have played mother and daughter. They shared those roles in the animated Netflix series Hilda, and that real chemistry is expected to shine again here, only this time, with way more danger, secrets, and tension.
Maya promises to blend thriller elements with Haggard’s signature offbeat humour. The story dives into some pretty serious themes, trauma, identity, control, mother-daughter bonds, and how women survive in a world that keeps pushing. But it’ll also have warmth, wit, and moments of levity.
Has the shoot for Maya already begun?
Shooting begins later this year in Scotland. More cast announcements will follow.
This show was one of the final greenlights from Channel 4’s former drama boss, Caroline Hollick. It’s being executive produced by Haggard, the Williams brothers (Jack and Harry), Sarah Hammond, Daisy Mount, and Alex Mercer for Two Brothers. Jamie Donoughue also joins as co-director and exec.
Gemma Boswell from Channel 4 said, “Bella joining Maya is a huge win. The writing is sharp, emotional, and layered, and we’re excited to see what Bella and Daisy do together.”
With Ramsey’s star still rising and Haggard stepping behind the camera for the first time, Maya has all the right ingredients to be something special: a gripping, emotional ride with characters that actually stick with you.