Matt Smith has been announced as the lead actor in Sky’s TV series adaptation of Nick Cave’s novel The Death Of Bunny Munro.
The 41-year-old actor will take on the title role of Bunny Munro – a grieving sex addict who recently lost his wife Libby to suicide.
Nick, 66, will executive produce the six-part series, written by BAFTA Pete Jackson (“Somewhere Boy”) and directed by Isabella Eklöf (“Industry,” “Holiday”).
The story follows self-proclaimed Lothario Bunny Munro and his young son named Bunny Junior as they embark on an increasingly out-of-control road trip through the south of England.
The two struggle to contain their grief in very different ways.
Matt Smith has been announced as the lead actor in Sky’s TV series adaptation of Nick Cave’s novel The Death of Bunny Munro
Nick, 66, will serve as executive producer of the six-part series
As Bunny jumps from one sales pitch to the next, trying to seduce every woman he meets, Bunny Junior tries to talk to his mother’s ghost and distract himself from the realization that his father’s life is crumbling around him
As he begins to unravel, Bunny realizes that he must do something to free his son from his own outdated ideas of what it means to be a man.
The search for an actor to play the role of young Bunny Junior is already underway in the hope of discovering an exciting new talent.
Matt, whose acting credits include The Crown, Doctor Who and House of The Dragon, said: “Working with Nick Cave on The Death of Bunny Munro is a huge honour.” It is a brilliant exploration of love, grief and chaos.
“At its core, a deep, difficult and loving story about a father and son dealing with loss and change.”
“Clerkenwell Films and Sky feel like the perfect home to make such a bold story and Pete has delivered such wonderful scripts that are equal parts funny and heartbreaking.”
“I can’t wait to work with Isabella and begin the journey with everyone at Clerkenwell.”
Nick added: “Finally someone brave enough to take on this unholy story.”
The story follows self-proclaimed lothario Bunny Munro and his young son named Bunny Junior, who embark on an increasingly out-of-control road trip across the United Kingdom
“I’m thrilled that Sky and Clerkenwell Films are bringing Bunny to life in all his flawed glory, and I can’t think of anyone better to play him than Matt Smith.”
The Death of Bunny Munro is produced by Clerkenwell Films, a BBC Studios company, in association with Sky Studios.
Filming for the series will begin in the south of England in spring 2024, with a release date to be confirmed at a later date.
It will be available NOW in the UK on Sky Atlantic and the streaming service.