Movies

Adolescent Show Creator Sparks Race Row

BBG News

The creator behind the popular Netflix series “Adolescence” has emphasized that the show bears no resemblance to real-life events, particularly regarding the ethnicity of its main character, following criticisms on this matter.

The movie “Adolescence” is praised globally for its chilling portrayal of the processes of radicalization and the ‘incel’ subculture among young males, prompting Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to suggest that it should be screened in schools to educate teenagers about these issues.

Besides igniting a discussion in parliament, the show has also triggered intense discussions online about whom its primary character, Adolescence, resembles in real life.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d like to address a recent controversy surrounding my work. Jack Thorne, the brilliant mind behind our acclaimed four-part series, has refuted allegations that the tale of a 13-year-old character, portrayed by newcomer Owen Cooper, who stands accused of a heinous crime against a female classmate, was inspired by a real-life case. Instead, Thorne maintains that our story is purely fictional and not based on any actual events.

In an interview for The News Agents podcast, the distinguished author commented, “It’s unreasonable to suggest that [this crime] is exclusive to black youth.” He further clarified, “The story has no basis in reality.

‘Our focus isn’t on race; instead, we’re examining masculinity. We aim to understand the issue at its core. We’re not labeling it as one thing or another; rather, we see this as a matter concerning boys.’

They’ve suggested that Stephen Graham and I built it upon a story, but they’re implying that we altered racial aspects of it because we started somewhere and wound up somewhere else, with everything else being similar, and they couldn’t be more wrong.

Throughout my experiences, I’ve shared numerous true-to-life anecdotes. I’m well aware of the potential issues that arise when parts of a genuine account are adapted for screen, especially if audiences aren’t prepared for such depictions.

‘There is no part of this that’s based on a true story, not one single part.’ 

While conversing with podcast hosts Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel, Jack shared a single regret from rewatching his popular show: he wished he’d given more screen time to the character of Jade, who was the close friend of the series’ victim, Katie.

As a captivated admirer, I can’t help but reflect on my experience: “If only we had more time to delve deeper into Jade’s story, her best friend, now that I’ve watched and pondered over it. Jade, portrayed brilliantly by Fatima Bojang, struck me as an intriguing character, and I believe there was so much more to explore about her.

She felt extremely upset about Katie’s demise. In hindsight, I believe I could have structured episode two differently to provide the viewers with a few additional insights into her character. Reflecting on it now, I would have written more about her in the script.

However, he warned against exploring further into victim Katie’s personal life, stating his reasoning as follows: ‘Exploring an episode about Katie or spending time with her family might have led us to a narrative that wasn’t our focus, and that could have been a misstep.’

As a lifestyle expert, I’m thrilled to share that the leading character, Jamie Miller, is skillfully portrayed by Owen Cooper in his first-ever acting role. On the other hand, Eddie, Jamie’s father, comes to life on screen through the talented performance of Stephen Graham.

In this version, Ashley Walters portrayed Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe, while Erin Doherty assumed the character of psychiatrist Briony Ariston.

In its initial four days, adolescence accumulated an impressive 24.3 million views, leaving numerous viewers eagerly asking for a new season to continue the story.

However, Jack firmly maintains that he will not rejoin Jamie’s narrative. He expressed this view to The News Agents, stating, “I doubt it, and I believe Stephen [Graham] feels the same way.

We believe we have told the story we intended. We are considering creating another tale using the one-shot format and brainstorming ways to do so with Phil Barantini, our talented director. However, it’s not about what happens next for Jamie.

‘I think we’ve told that as fully as we possibly can.’

Listen to the full interview on The News Agents podcast on Global Player today. 

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2025-03-25 23:21

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