In an exclusive interview during the screening of Netflix’s upcoming thriller series Run Away at BFI Southbank, actor James Nesbitt discussed the complexities of his character and the intriguing nature of the storyline. The series, based on a novel by renowned author Harlan Coben, will premiere on January 1, 2026, and features a notable cast that includes Ruth Jones and Minnie Driver.
Twists and Trust Issues
Run Away follows Nesbitt’s character, Simon Greene, a devoted father and successful professional whose life unravels when his eldest daughter, Paige, goes missing. The plot thickens as Simon’s desperate search leads him into a world rife with danger and deception. When asked if Simon can be trusted, Nesbitt reflected on the unpredictability that is a hallmark of Coben’s narratives. “You can’t trust anyone in Harlan’s shows,” he stated. “That’s the beauty of it, that’s the intrigue, the excitement of it.”
Nesbitt emphasized the importance of authenticity in his performance, noting, “All you can really do playing it is just trying to be in the moment to try and be as truthful and authentic as you are.” This approach, he believes, adds to the unsettling atmosphere that viewers can expect from the series.
The actor also shared insights about his collaboration with co-star Ruth Jones, mentioning their positive chemistry. “We’d never worked before, and that was really important for us but also for the show and the relationship between those two characters,” he explained. “It’s work, it’s hard work, and that’s the privilege of it.”
Adapting Coben’s Narrative
The series is the brainchild of writer Danny Brocklehurst, known for his work on Brassic. He highlighted the collaborative effort involved in adapting Coben’s work for the screen. “Because it all happens in stages, we all get together and there’s a four-person team,” Brocklehurst said. “We talk a lot about the story to begin with, immersing yourself in the book but also in the story and the new things they’re going to add.”
Brocklehurst expressed a desire to make the emotional core of the story evident from the outset. “I was particularly eager to upfront make it very emotional because it is, after all, a parent-child story,” he noted. This focus on emotional depth is expected to resonate with viewers as Simon grapples with the challenges of finding his daughter.
The synopsis for Run Away paints a gripping picture: Simon’s seemingly perfect life is shattered when Paige vanishes, leading him to confront her troubled state in a city park. The situation escalates into violence, prompting Simon to delve into a perilous underworld in a bid to reunite with his daughter. This journey reveals deep secrets that threaten to tear his family apart.
As anticipation builds for the show’s release, Run Away promises to deliver the suspenseful twists that fans of Harlan Coben have come to expect, all while exploring the profound emotional ties between parents and their children.
Viewers can mark their calendars for January 1, 2026, when Run Away will be available on Netflix, with subscriptions starting from £5.99 per month.
