It's been two years since Baby Reindeer was released on Netflix - feel old yet? And while many of us are only just recovering from the shockwaves of Richard Gadd's limited series, others have been left craving more, no other drama quite scratching the same itch. Fear not, because Gadd's second creation Half Man is here.
The six-part TV series was created, written and executive produced by Gadd - who also stars - with Sophie Gardiner, Anna O'Malley, Gaynor Holmes and Gavin Smith onboard as exec producers too. It was directed by Alexandra Brodski and Eshref Reybrouck.
The series kicks off at a wedding, jumping between the present day and the 1980s, spanning 30 years of history between central characters Ruben and Niall - who aren't brothers by blood but complex bond. The series "captures the lives of these broken men [...] exploring brotherhood, violence, and the intense fragility of male relationships," as per HBO's release.
Half Man premiered in on HBO and HBO Max on April 23rd. Believe us when we say it's one you don't want to miss - the first two episodes having us squirming in our seats, audibly gasping and hands flying to our face.
And Gadd's uncomfortably erotic, strikingly powerful series features a stellar line-up of some recognizable, but also fairly new faces too.
The full cast of Half Man:
- Richard Gadd as Ruben
- Jamie Bell as Niall
- Stuart Campbell as Young Ruben
- Mitchell Robertson as Young Niall
- Neve McIntosh as Lori
- Marianne McIvor as Maura
- Charlie De Melo as Alby
- Bilal Hasna as Young Alby
- Julie Cullen as Joanna
- Amy Manson as Mona
- Anjli Mohindra as Ava
- Tim Downie as Daniel
- Tom Andrews as Butch
- Philippine Velge as Celeste
- Stuart McQuarrie as Mr Jenkins
- Sandy Batchelor as Gus
- Piers Ewart as Young Gus
- Scot Greenan as John
- Charlotte Blackwood as Young Mona
- Calum Manchip as Drew
- Kate Robson-Stuart as Joanna
Meet the cast of Half Man
Richard Gadd as Ruben
Who is Ruben? A complicated, violent man who grew up alongside Niall following his release from a young offenders institute. The pair aren't blood related brothers but grew up forming a close and complex bond. We first meet Gadd's Ruben 30 years following Campbell's portrayal as Young Ruben.
What else has Richard Gadd been in? Gadd is best known for creating and starring in Netflix drama Baby Reindeer, based on the one-man dark comedy he took to the Edinburgh Fringe. The Netflix series saw him win three Primetime Emmy Awards for writing, producing and acting.
Jamie Bell as Niall
Who is Niall? Niall remains a sensitive, self-doubting and nervous man even 30 years on from when we're introduced to his teenage self.
What else has Jamie Bell been in? Fans of British classics will recognize Jamie Bell from 2000's Billy Elliot. You'll probably also remember him from Fantastic Four, Rocketman and All of Us Strangers.
Stuart Campbell as Young Ruben
Who is Young Ruben? Fresh out of young offenders, 17-year-old Ruben is back living with his mom who's currently sharing a house with Niall and Niall's mum.
What else has Stuart Campbell been in? You might've spotted Stuart Campbell in SAS Rogue Heroes as Bill Fraser or The Winter King as Derfel. He also played Jack in Hetty Feather and Rabbie MacNab in Outlander.
Mitchell Robertson as Young Niall
Who is Young Niall? A 15-year-old who's struggling with his identity, the victim of bullying and navigating his teenage years while living with his mom—his dad is no longer in the picture.
What else has Mitchell Robertson been in? Mitchell Robertson starred in Curfew as Eddie alongside playing Jack Williams in Moonflower Murders. He's also appeared in A Very British Scandal in the role of Lennox, alongside Mayflies as Young Tibbs.
Neve McIntosh as Lori
Who is Lori? Lori is Niall's mum.
What else has Neve McIntosh been in? Neve McIntosh starred in Shetland as Kate Kilmuir alongside playing the role of Julie Hedges in Traces. You may also recognize her from Doctor Who or Bodies.
Marianne McIvor as Maura
Who is Maura? Ruben's mum.
What else has Marianne McIvor been in? Most recently you'll have spotted McIvor in The Bombing of Pan Am 103. She's also been on your screen as Governor Sarah Cahill in Screw and played Hazel in The Nest.
