Laura Donnelly Cast as Lead in ITV's New Serial Killer Drama 'The Dark'

What's Happening?

Laura Donnelly has been cast as the lead actress in ITV's upcoming serial killer drama 'The Dark'. The series, produced by Ben Stephenson's Poison Pen, will feature Donnelly as Scottish Detective Monica Kennedy. The plot revolves around a young man's body found staged in the Scottish wilderness, sparking fears of a serial killer targeting the rural community. The drama is based on GR Halliday's novel 'From the Shadows', with hopes for a returnable series as two more books in the trilogy are already written. The series will be filmed in Glasgow and distributed internationally by ITV Studios. The production team includes Matt Hartley as the writer, with Gilles Bannier as the lead director and executive producer.

Why It's Important?

The casting of Laura Donnelly in 'The Dark' highlights ITV's commitment to producing high-quality drama series with international appeal. Donnelly's involvement brings star power and acting prowess, potentially attracting a global audience. The series taps into the popular crime drama genre, which has a strong following and can drive viewership and subscriptions for ITV. Additionally, the adaptation of a novel series suggests a long-term investment in storytelling, with potential for multiple seasons. This move could strengthen ITV's position in the competitive television market, offering content that appeals to both domestic and international viewers.

What's Next?

Filming for 'The Dark' is set to begin in Glasgow, with additional casting underway. As production progresses, viewers can anticipate promotional materials and trailers that will provide further insights into the series. ITV Studios will handle international distribution, potentially leading to partnerships with streaming platforms or networks outside the UK. The success of the series could lead to adaptations of the remaining books in the trilogy, expanding the storyline and character development. Fans of crime dramas and Laura Donnelly's work will likely follow updates closely, eager for the series premiere.