November 9th 2024.
BBC producer Sir Colin Callender did not hold back when expressing his thoughts on Disney+'s new show Rivals. As an executive producer on the final series of Wolf Hall, which is set to return to screens after more than a decade, Sir Callender has a deep understanding and appreciation for historical dramas. The upcoming season, based on Hilary Mantel's book The Mirror and The Light, follows the life of Thomas Cromwell during the reign of Tudor King Henry VIII.
While Rivals may share some themes of sex and nudity with Jilly Cooper's 80s novel, it is quite different from the Tudor-era aesthetic of Wolf Hall. In fact, Sir Callender made it clear that he has no interest in shows like Rivals, which opens with a steamy mile-high club sex scene and a game of naked tennis. Despite receiving praise from critics and fans, Rivals' success did not impress Sir Callender.
During a recent speech, Sir Callender outlined his criteria for a show, which includes having a big idea that is relevant to a contemporary audience, truthful emotions and situations, and entertainment value without relying on clichés. Unfortunately, Rivals did not meet these standards for Sir Callender, making it a show he would not choose to produce.
One of the reasons for Rivals' success could be its star-studded cast, which includes Aidan Turner, Danny Dyer, and David Tennant. The show has already received a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and positive reviews from audiences. However, for Sir Callender, success does not automatically mean he would want to be involved in a project.
Sir Callender's comments align with Rivals' producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins' struggles in pitching the adaptation to traditional UK channels. Treadwell-Collins shared that there is a snobbery surrounding Jilly Cooper's work, as he faced ridicule and dismissals when trying to get Rivals made.
In addition to Sir Callender's harsh criticism, lead star Damian Lewis also made headlines for his interview with Radio Times. Dougary, the reporter, recounts how Lewis walked out of the call without any explanation, after arriving late and announcing he would be leaving 15 minutes early. Lewis also refused to answer personal questions, leading to speculation about his behavior.
Despite any negative comments, the first season of Wolf Hall was a major success and received multiple awards and nominations. The upcoming finale, The Mirror and The Light, is hoping to follow in its footsteps. Viewers can catch the six-part series on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer starting November 10th. And for any potential celebrity stories, videos, or pictures, feel free to reach out to The Agency's entertainment team through email, phone, or their Submit Stuff page. They would love to hear from you!
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
