With the announcement of their latest project – a dark and witty thriller about a mother and daughter – Bella Ramsey’s star continues to rise and rise.
For those of us still reeling from the season two finale of The Last Of Us and the (spoiler alert) cliffhanger that left Ellie’s future hanging in the balance, I have some good news. Bella Ramsey will be back on our screens soon in another dark thriller. However, this one will be set in rural Scotland rather than a post-apocalyptic landscape plagued by an infectious fungus.
Ramsey will take the lead in Maya, a new psychological thriller written by Daisy Haggard (Back To Life) about a mother and daughter, which they have described as “alive, nuanced, wickedly funny and scarily dark”.
Here’s what to expect from the six-part series.
What is the plot of Maya?
Ramsey plays teenager Maya, who, along with her mum, Anne, is put into a witness protection programme to escape a serious threat to their life.
The pair have to leave London and move to a rural town in Scotland. But despite the move, they struggle to escape the trauma that they have endured when two hitmen become intent on tracking them down.
It promises to explore themes of predatory male behaviour, family and love through a darkly comic, suspenseful and atmospheric lens.
Who will star in Maya?
Ramsey is joined by the show’s creator, Daisy Hagard, who will play Maya’s mum, Anne. And Haggard is just as thrilled as we are about Ramsey’s starring role. “Ever since I first dreamt up this show, there has only ever been one Maya… I wrote the part with Bella so clearly in my head, and I honestly still can’t believe they want to be part of it,” says Haggard. “Bella is pure magic, just insanely talented, and I can’t wait for us to work together. I’m also thrilled to be taking the leap into directing and excited to have the opportunity to co-direct the series alongside the brilliant Jamie Donoughue.”
The rest of the cast will be announced in due course.
When can I watch Maya?
That’s the bad news. You’ll have to be patient, as the series is being shot in Scotland later this year, so we’re probably looking at a 2026 release.
Nevertheless, it will probably be on our screens well before The Last Of Us returns for season three, as the show’s co-creator Neil Druckmann has announced he’s leaving the show, with “no meaningful work” yet done on the new season.
