Adolescence executive producer shares excitement for Threads reboot

The head of a production company behind hit TV show Adolescence says remaking a 1980s nuclear war film will be the culmination of a 20-year dream.

Sheffield-based Warp Films, which produced Netflix’s hard-hitting drama, is to film a contemporary version of Threads – a “groundbreaking” portrayal of a post-apocalyptic South Yorkshire.

Chief executive officer Mark Herbert says “nothing is off the table” for the reboot, which he says could include a mix of old and new characters.

“At the moment it’s about finding the best writer and the best director and people to help us adapt it – that’s what we are doing at the moment,” he says.

Threads, released in 1984 and written by Kes author Barry Hines, tracks the aftermath of an attack on Sheffield and had a profound effect on many who watched it.

Directed by documentary maker Mick Jackson, it was only broadcast a handful of times between its original transmission and its 40th anniversary last year.

“I watched Threads when I was a teenager, everybody was terrified by it,” Herbert, who grew up in Doncaster, says.

“It was so well made and so real and so raw – when something has that much of an impact on you, you remember it forever.”

Herbert says Warp Films, creators of This is England and new BBC One drama Reunion, has been waiting for “the right time” to create a new version.

“When we started Warp over 20 years ago, I always had a thing that if there was anything I’d like to tackle as a remake, it would be Threads,” he says.

“In the original there was no internet, no mobile phones, it was a different city.

“I think we will have to reflect what the city is like now.”

While he remains tight-lipped about the potential cast, he says the TV series could stretch over four to six hours.

Herbert hopes it will “delve deeper” into some of the characters, but stresses he wants it to stay true to the original.

“Threads terrified me, so it won’t be an easy watch, but at the same time I want it to have more hope and humanity.”

Discussing the time frame, Herbert says the new version is “a while away”.

“Even with a gust of wind, we’d be lucky to be shooting in two years from now,” he says.

He says the daunting prospect of remaking Threads has parallels with the challenges of capturing Adolescence.

“Adolescence terrified me because it was [filmed in] one shot and I was so worried – if something goes wrong at 50 minutes, you start again.

“It’s scary and it’s a challenge, but I think that’s the best way to start something.”

Since its release on 13 March, the acclaimed drama has become the most talked-about show of the year so far.

“You have no idea when you are making something like Adolescence that it would have such an impact globally,” he says.

“I’m overwhelmed but really happy.”

Herbert says the show “hit a nerve” as a parent, adding: “When I was a kid, my mum and dad worried about where I was going and who I was hanging out with.

“Now they can be in their bedrooms and looking at content that’s really bad.”

Among the millions of viewers were Herbert’s own three children, who have known Adolescence actor Stephen Graham since they were toddlers.

“One of my daughters sent me pictures of her in tears after the first and the fourth episode,” Herbert says.

“I think they are really pleased and proud of it and it’s amazing for them to know that all their mates are talking about it.”

Asked if the Threads remake would also be shot in one continuous take, he replies: “Absolutely no chance.”

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