Welsh actor Jonathan Pryce has revealed the genuine motivation behind his decision to join Netflix's upcoming film The Thursday Murder Club. The 78-year-old from Carmel was drawn to the project primarily by the opportunity to work alongside Helen Mirren.
"That was major. The inspiration for doing this film was to work with her," Pryce explained. The two actors had previously appeared in the same scene in Woman in Gold but never got the chance to speak.
"We were in the same scene, but I never got to talk to her on Woman in Gold and Helen is an actress I've long admired. She's extraordinary and it's a privilege to work with her."
Star-studded Netflix adaptation
The Thursday Murder Club premieres on Netflix on August 28, based on Richard Osman's popular novel. Helen Mirren stars as Elizabeth Best, a former spy who teams up with amateur detectives to investigate cold cases.
Pryce plays Stephen Best, Elizabeth's husband and a retired academic who has written numerous scholarly books. The character enjoys solitude and chess but begins showing early signs of dementia, leading to occasional confusion.
Chess confession and praise
Despite his character's love for chess, Pryce admitted he has never played the game in real life. "Haven't a clue! But we had experts on set all the time telling us where to put our pieces," he said.
"It's kind of fun, looking like you're an expert on something and not having a clue." Director Chris Columbus praised Pryce as "an actor who can carry several films on his own."
Distinguished career
Pryce is recognised for his performances in Brazil, Pirates of the Caribbean, Barbarians at the Gate and The Crown. In 2021, he was knighted for his services to drama.
Columbus noted that Pryce's willingness to take a supporting role "speaks volumes about Richard Osman's wonderful source material and his ability to infuse all of the roles, no matter how big or small, with a three dimensional, complex reality."
Sources used: "WalesOnline", "Mirror" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
