Jack Thorne to Adapt Gripping Memoir ‘Wavewalker: Breaking Free’ for New Series!

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Following the resounding success of my gripping drama, “Adolescence,” I, Jack Thorne, have embarked on a new creative journey. I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be adapting Suzanne Heywood’s globally acclaimed memoir, “Wavewalker: Breaking Free.” This extraordinary true tale, as reported by Deadline, chronicles Heywood’s unforgettable childhood spent traversing the globe on a decade-long sailing expedition. The narrative delves into the hardships of life at sea, such as navigating stormy waters, enduring isolation, and overcoming limited educational opportunities, all while offering an intimate glimpse into her family dynamics. I can’t wait to bring this compelling story to life!

Known for his work in TV, movies, and theater, the distinguished English actor James Norton – who has garnered praise for roles in shows like “Happy Valley,” “Grantchester,” and “McMafia,” and is often mentioned as a potential successor to the role of James Bond – will play Heywood’s father in an upcoming series. Speaking about the captivating part, Norton shared his thoughts on the compelling story that the adaptation promises to convey.

Initially conceived as a dream, this voyage spanning over a decade transforms into a harrowing reality under the guidance of a roguish father, who portrayed it as an exciting adventure. Unfortunately, his daughters, serving as crew members, were essentially forced into labor on the boat. They were deprived of their childhood and formal education. This narrative revolves around their struggle for survival and education, and the internal conflict between their father’s deep affection for them and the harshness he inflicted upon them.

On X (formerly Twitter), Heywood expressed her joy as Thorne joined the project. The production company, Norton and Kitty Kaletsky’s Rabbit Track Pictures, is set to produce the upcoming series.

Will We See a Second Season of ‘Adolescence’?

As a film enthusiast, I found myself captivated by the gripping series “Adolescence,” a project I had the privilege to contribute to as a co-writer and co-creator alongside the talented Stephen Graham. In this gritty crime drama, I took on the role of Eddie Miller, the father of Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), a 13-year-old boy entangled in a heartbreaking tragedy – accused of murdering a female classmate.

Upon its debut, “Adolescence” generated impressive viewership: an astounding 24.3 million views within its first four days, later shattering Netflix records for limited series with a staggering 66.3 million views in just two weeks. This powerful, four-episode drama has sparked essential discussions surrounding toxic masculinity, cyberbullying, online safety, and mental health challenges that resonate deeply with audiences today.

Similar to many popular series, “Adolescence” has ignited anticipation for a second season. Yet, the creator of the show, Thorne, has dismissed any speculation about them working on another installment. In a conversation with The Morning, he revealed his stance on the matter.

I believe other creators might be more suited to narrate Katie’s story, as they could craft captivating dramas about girls similar to her. It seems more appropriate for those stories to be brought to life. Our goal was to tell Jamie’s tale comprehensively, and I worry that our attempt to also tell Katie’s story might diminish that effort or leave us inadequate for the task.

In regards to the second installment, I believe Jamie’s narrative has reached its conclusion. It seems there’s no further growth or development for Jamie’s character, which leads me to conclude that another season might not be feasible. However, we’re excited about the potential of a standalone format for future stories using this medium. We’d like to share different tales with it, but an additional series for Adolescence doesn’t seem to fit our current plans.

Hannah Walters, who appears together with her spouse Graham on the show, expressed a comparable viewpoint yet hinted at the possibility of future collaborations.

She mentioned, “If we were to create a prequel for ‘Adolescence,’ it’s highly unlikely. However, there is great potential in revisiting that one-shot story and exploring human nature from a different perspective.

Thorne, a renowned screenwriter and playwright, has an impressive body of work spanning TV, movies, and the stage. Besides “Adolescence,” he is most recognized for his work on the stage adaptation of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” and series like “His Dark Materials” and “This is England.” Currently, you can watch “Adolescence” streaming on Netflix.

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2025-03-28 16:32