Henry Lloyd-Hughes Joins Steven Spielberg’s Next Sci-Fi Feature as Richard Osman Hails UK Film Industry’s Talent

A significant moment for British talent in the global film industry has emerged with the announcement that actor Henry Lloyd-Hughes, known for his role in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Richard Osman’s ‘The Thursday Murder Club,’ has joined the star-studded cast of Steven Spielberg’s next untitled Universal feature. This exciting film casting news comes as celebrated author Richard Osman praises the strength and depth of the UK film industry, highlighting its immense talent pool and significant contributions to global cinema.

A New Chapter for a Rising Star

Henry Lloyd-Hughes steps into a high-profile role in Steven Spielberg’s upcoming movie, a project shrouded in mystery but confirmed to be an original “event film” with sci-fi or UFO elements. He will share the screen with an impressive ensemble, including new additions and established names like Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo, Eve Hewson, and Wyatt Russell. The new feature recently concluded filming in New York, with Lloyd-Hughes describing the experience as “one of the most memorable and mind-blowing” opportunities to witness Spielberg’s cinematic magic firsthand. This untitled project has a confirmed release date of June 12, 2026, by Universal Pictures, having been strategically moved from an earlier May 2026 slot to avoid direct competition with other major blockbusters. The screenplay, based on an original story by Spielberg, was penned by his frequent collaborator David Koepp, known for his work on blockbusters like Jurassic Park and War of the Worlds.

From Coopers Chase to Spielberg’s Set

Lloyd-Hughes’s casting is a direct result of his performance in ‘The Thursday Murder Club,’ a new Netflix film that has garnered considerable buzz. Steven Spielberg’s own production company, Amblin Entertainment, is behind ‘The Thursday Murder Club,’ and the legendary director was reportedly impressed by Henry Lloyd-Hughes after viewing an early edit of the movie. Spielberg personally extended an invitation to the British actor to join his next venture, an offer Lloyd-Hughes graciously accepted. In ‘The Thursday Murder Club,’ Lloyd-Hughes portrays Bogdan Jankowski, a Polish handyman caught up in the amateur sleuths’ investigations. The Chris Columbus-directed mystery boasts its own galaxy of stars, including Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, David Tennant, and Daniel Mays.

Richard Osman’s Championing of UK Talent

Adding to the excitement, Richard Osman, author of the bestselling novel series ‘The Thursday Murder Club,’ used the platform of the film’s UK premiere to laud the British film industry. Osman emphasized the “incredible range of amazing actors in the UK and amazing writers and people behind the scenes who are just incredible.” He highlighted how significant investments from Hollywood studios and streaming giants like Netflix into UK productions underscore the industry’s robust health and talent. Furthermore, Osman advocated for a stronger presence of older voices on screen, a sentiment reflected in the diverse and experienced cast of his own adapted work. His remarks reinforce the vital role the UK plays in shaping global entertainment, producing both the talent and the stories that captivate audiences worldwide.

‘The Thursday Murder Club’s’ Premiere and Beyond

‘The Thursday Murder Club’ is a highly anticipated new movie that recently debuted in select cinemas on August 22, 2025, with its broader streaming release on Netflix scheduled for August 28, 2025. Directed by Chris Columbus, the film brings to life Osman’s beloved characters – a group of elderly amateur detectives in a peaceful retirement village who find themselves embroiled in a real murder investigation. The project is a testament to the thriving collaboration between British storytelling and major Hollywood production houses.

Helen Mirren’s Next Venture: ‘Goodbye June’

The buzz around British talent extends beyond these immediate headlines. Helen Mirren, a prominent star in ‘The Thursday Murder Club,’ also discussed her involvement in another notable new Netflix project: ‘Goodbye June.’ This upcoming contemporary drama will see Mirren starring alongside Kate Winslet, Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn, Andrea Riseborough, and Timothy Spall. Notably, ‘Goodbye June’ marks Winslet’s directorial debut, with production slated to commence later in 2025 in the UK. This further underscores the fertile ground of the British entertainment landscape, attracting top-tier talent both in front of and behind the camera for compelling TV show and film productions.

These developments signify a vibrant period for British actors and the UK film industry, with local talent making substantial inroads into major international productions and demonstrating the enduring appeal of British storytelling on a global scale. As these new projects head towards their anticipated release dates, they promise to deliver captivating narratives and stellar performances to audiences worldwide.