Anya Taylor-Joy has been confirmed as the lead in Netflix’s upcoming TV adaptation of Bella Mackie’s hit debut novel How to Kill Your Family.
Mackie’s book swiftly became a success following its release in 2021 and has sold over 1.2 million copies.
Netflix’s new eight-part series will see Taylor-Joy play Grace Bernard, the forgotten child of a merciless billionaire, who is intent on seeking revenge after enduring a heartbreaking rejection.
As Grace’s dark twisted story unravels, the character begins killing off her estranged extended family via morbidly creative means.
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The new TV adaptation is written by Extraordinary creator Emma Moran, who is also on-board as executive producer alongside Lizzie Rusbridger, Sally Woodward Gentle, and Lee Morris.
Mackie has also signed on to the project as a co-executive producer.
Sharing her excitement to take on the role, Taylor-Joy explained she’s already a huge fan of the book.
“As soon as I turned the last page, I knew I had to be a part of bringing this story to life,” The Queen’s Gambit actress told Tudum. “After some (light) stalking of the inimitable Bella Mackie, I could not be more thrilled to be collaborating with the team that is executive producers Sally Woodward Gentle, Lizzie Rusbridger, and Emma. I am looking forward to getting our hands even dirtier.”
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How to Kill Your Family’s author, Mackie, has also shared her thoughts on the exciting casting news.
The star branded Taylor-Joy as “the most perfect fit to play Grace”, before adding: “I often think she understands her better than I do”.
News Editor, Digital Spy
Emma is an experienced entertainment news journalist with NCTJ accreditation and a First-Class Honours Degree in Journalism. Having started her career as a broadcast journalist, Emma’s voice has been heard on varying radio stations across the UK including Absolute, Magic, BBC Three Counties Radio, LBC London News and more.
Later specialising in multimedia entertainment news, Emma has brushed shoulders with numerous famous faces and interviewed the likes of Edward Norton, Margot Robbie, Sir Michael Palin, Rick Astley, and too many soap stars to count. Having produced a range of engaging news content over the years for brands such as 7Digital’s Entertainment News, Yahoo, and Express Online, Emma eventually joined Digital Spy in 2022 as Deputy News Editor, becoming Acting News Editor in 2023 and then News Editor in 2024.
While she’s gained lots of praise during celebrity interviews throughout her career, the most memorable compliment Emma’s ever received was when a Game of Thrones star remarked “Your teeth are stunning!”. LinkedIn