Netflix's new period drama bags star-studded cast including Stranger Things icon

Netflix has announced an impressive ensemble cast for its upcoming period drama Bad Bridgets, based on the best-selling book by academics Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick.

The series will be led by Locke and Key actress Emilia Jones and Alison Oliver. The supporting cast features established talent including Banshees of Inisherin star Colin Farrell, Stranger Things icon Charlie Heaton, and Alan Partridge legend Steve Coogan.

Further notable additions include About Time actor Domhnall Gleeson, Enola Holmes star Himesh Patel, The Irish Affair actress Niamh Algar, and Kneecap star Simone Kirby.

Bad Bridgets centres on a young Irish woman's journey as she pursues a fresh start in 19th-century New York. According to the official synopsis, When a mysterious letter offering escape leads a young Irish woman to 19th-century New York she is pulled into the unruly world of the Bridgets where mayhem follows in her wake.

The term bad bridget was coined by the academics to describe destitute Irish girls and women who emigrated to America and Canada seeking better prospects but frequently encountered hardship instead.

The project is being developed with backing from Queen's University Belfast and produced with financial support from Northern Ireland Screen. It has been written, directed and produced by BAFTA winner Rich Peppiatt, whose previous work includes films such as Kneecap and One Rogue Reporter. He is reunited with Kneecap collaborator and fellow BAFTA winner Ryan Kernaghan, who serves as cinematographer, while Poor Things Academy Award winner James Price takes on the role of production designer.

Production is anticipated to commence in Ireland and Northern Ireland this month, though no official release date has been confirmed yet.