Maya (2026 TV series)
| Maya | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Thriller |
| Created by | Daisy Haggard |
| Written by | Daisy Haggard |
| Starring |
|
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producer | Kenny Tanner |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Production companies | |
| Original release | |
| Network | Channel 4 |
Maya is an upcoming thriller television series on Channel 4 starring Bella Ramsey and Daisy Haggard. This 6-part series is written and will be co-directed by Haggard.
Premise
[edit]The show centers around Maya (played by Bella Ramsey), a teenage girl who, along with her mother Anna (played by Daisy Haggard), is placed in a witness protection program after fleeing their lives in London. They’re relocated to a remote Scottish village, assuming new identities in an attempt to start over. However, their efforts to rebuild are complicated by the emotional trauma of their past and the persistent threat of two hitmen who are relentlessly hunting them down. The show likely blends elements of thriller, drama, and possibly dark comedy, focusing on themes of identity, survival, and the bond between mother and daughter under extreme pressure.[1]
Cast
[edit]- Bella Ramsey as Maya
- Daisy Haggard as Anna
Production
[edit]Development
[edit]The project, which marks Haggard’s directorial debut,[2] has been a labor of love from the very beginning. Kenny Tanner is the producer. Haggard and Donoughue also serve as Executive Producers, along with Harry and Jack Williams, Sarah Hammond, Alex Mercer, and Daisy Mount for Two Brothers Pictures.[3]
Casting
[edit]For Haggard, there was never any doubt about who should bring the complex, layered character of Maya to life. “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,” said Haggard. “Bella is pure magic, just insanely talented, and I can’t wait for us to work together." She also mentioned she "thrilled to be taking the leap into directing, and excited to have the opportunity to co-direct the series alongside the brilliant Jamie Donoughue.”[4] It is also noted that this will make a return to the mother-daughter dynamic for Ramsey and Haggard; they both had starring voice acting roles in the Netflix animated series Hilda[5], in which Ramsey also played the titular character.
Channel 4 announced that it had commissioned Maya back in February 2025.[6] Maya was one of the last projects commissioned by Film4 and Channel 4 Drama Director Ollie Madden before he will be joining Netflix in October 2025.[7] The series was commissioned alongside Gemma Boswell, Channel 4’s Commissioning Editor for Drama[8]. It is being produced by Two Brothers, part of All3Media, in collaboration with All3Media International, which is handling global sales.[9]
Filming
[edit]Production begins later in 2025 in Scotland.[10]
Release
[edit]The series is slated to premiere in 2026.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ Whittock, Jesse (2025-07-02). "Bella Ramsey Lands Lead Role In Channel 4 Thriller 'Maya', With Creator Daisy Haggard Making Directorial Debut". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ^ Ford, Lily (2025-07-02). "Bella Ramsey Cast in Channel 4's 'Maya,' Written by and Co-Starring Daisy Haggard". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ^ "'Maya': Cast, Plot, Filming News | Telly Visions". tellyvisions.org. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
- ^ Ritman, Alex (2025-07-02). "Bella Ramsey to Star in Channel 4 Witness Protection Thriller Series 'Maya' From Daisy Haggard". Variety. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ^ Factora, James (2025-07-02). "Bella Ramsey's Next TV Role Will Be in a "Wickedly Funny" and "Scarily Dark" Thriller". Them. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
- ^ "Channel 4 commissions gripping new thriller Maya, from writer and creator Daisy Haggard | Channel 4". www.channel4.com. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
- ^ Szalai, Georg (2025-06-03). "Netflix Hires Ollie Madden, Director of Film4 and Channel 4 Drama, to Oversee U.K. Film". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ^ "Channel 4 commissions gripping new thriller Maya, from writer and creator Daisy Haggard | Channel 4". www.channel4.com. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
- ^ Whittock, Jesse (2025-07-02). "Bella Ramsey Lands Lead Role In Channel 4 Thriller 'Maya', With Creator Daisy Haggard Making Directorial Debut". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ^ Ritman, Alex (2025-07-02). "Bella Ramsey to Star in Channel 4 Witness Protection Thriller Series 'Maya' From Daisy Haggard". Variety. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ^ Whittock, Jesse (2025-07-02). "Bella Ramsey Lands Lead Role In Channel 4 Thriller 'Maya', With Creator Daisy Haggard Making Directorial Debut". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-07-23.