Helen Mirren speaks out on return to 'wonderful' Thursday Murder Club for sequel

TheThursday Murder Club hits cinemas on Friday 22nd August and lands on Netflix on Thursday 28th August.

Devotees of Richard Osman's bestseller have been eagerly anticipating the big-screen adaptation, and chatting to Reach Plc on the red carpet, Dame Helen Mirren revealed her desire for a sequel, her favourite moment from filming and which character she'd fancy portraying if she wasn't playing former spy Elizabeth.

Helen described working on the production as "wonderful" and revealed that close pal Celia Imrie had her in stitches on set with her portrayal of Joyce.

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The distinguished actress continued, saying if she hadn't been cast as Elizabeth, she'd have fancied being "Joyce, with the cake".

Helen also discussed her thoughts on the transition from cinema to streaming, explaining: "Well it's brilliant to be able to watch a movie in your home and stop for a cup of tea when you want to. But there's nothing like watching a move with an audience. I saw Thursday Murder Club in New York with an audience of about 400 people and there was so much laughter and there's nothing like sharing an experience with an audience."

So, might supporters anticipate a follow-up? Writer Richard has crafted three additional novels in The Thursday Murder Club collection, providing ample source material, reports the Express.

"We hope so, yes we're hoping so," Helen revealed to us. Should she make a comeback, Helen is keen for Naomi Ackie to return as PC Donna De Freitas. She said: "I'm really hoping Naomi comes back because she's such an important part."

Reflecting on her time filming the movie, Helen fondly recalled "drinking gin and tonics on the bus with my friend Celia Imrie" as a standout moment.

The Thursday Murder Club centres around a group of pals in a retirement home who spend their time solving murders for amusement, only to find themselves embroiled in a real-life case.

The film boasts an impressive cast with Helen and Celia playing Elizabeth and Joyce respectively, Ben Kingsley as ex-psychiatrist Ibrahim, and Pierce Brosnan as former union activist Ron.

Other stars gracing the screen include Daniel Mays, Henry Llloyd-Hughes, Tom Ellis, Jonathan Pryce, David Tennant, Richard E. Grant and Ingrid Oliver.

Discussing the inspiration behind The Thursday Murder Club, Richard previously revealed to Tudum: "You just sit and chat with these people and they've lived these extraordinary lives. You hear these amazing stories and gossip and wisdom."

You think, 'These people are so overlooked. ' The idea that these people with their wisdom and their invisibility would be the perfect people to solve [a crime] is exactly where The Thursday Murder Club comes from.

Take these people who are underestimated but who have these incredible skills, put them together, and they can achieve anything. "

Thursday Murder Club hits cinemas on August 22nd and will be available on Netflix from August 28th.