Andrew O’Hagan’s Mayflies Gets Series Treatment

Synchronicity Films, the outfit behind The Cry, is developing a limited series based on Andrew O’Hagan’s latest novel, Mayflies.

Andrea Gibb (Elizabeth is Missing) will adapt the novel, which was released in the U.K. last month by Faber & Faber and arrives in North America in 2021. It follows the friendship between James and Tully, which begins in 1986 in a small Scottish town.

“From the very first page, Andrew’s beautiful novel had me totally enthralled,” said Claire Mundell, founder and creative director at Synchronicity Films. “His depiction of a life-long friendship spanning the exuberance and promise of youth to the painful realities of later life is at once life-affirming, joyful and heart-breaking. In a time of turmoil, Mayflies is balm for the soul and will resonate with anyone who values the sustaining power of friendship. We cannot wait to bring this adaptation to the screen as a premium, prestige series.”

Andrew O’Hagan added, “I have been overwhelmed by the public response to Mayflies and feel it has found the perfect home with Synchronicity. Andrea Gibb is one of my favorite writers for television and producer Claire Mundell is second to none in her devotion to gripping, emotional, world-class drama. I look forward to supporting the production in every way I can and encouraging these brilliant people in their task of bringing to the screen my most personal novel yet. It’s a story of friendship, loyalty, youth and growth, and Synchronicity has all the warmth and intelligence to make Mayflies into something special.”

Andrea Gibb added, “Claire Mundell’s Synchronicity is a brilliant Scottish production company and I’m thrilled they’ve given me this opportunity to adapt Andrew O’Hagan’s beautiful and tender novel. Mayflies is a glorious evocation of youth, friendship and love. In Jimmy and Tully, Andrew has created vivid characters that are universally recognizable but also uniquely individual. It will be a joy to spend time with them.”