Trainspotting writer Irvine Welsh teases potential sequel series – and whether iconic roles could be recast

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Nonetheless, an assertive newcomer believes he might excel in the role if Trainspotting‘s sequel, Men in Love (published on July 22), is adapted. According to Irvine Welsh, the 66-year-old writer of both novels, “I think I could pull off all those characters quite convincingly.

I believe I could convincingly portray various characters from Begbie, the hardened and cynical outsider, to Sick Boy, the lover, Spud, the lovable loser, and even the hapless fool. This is because every character you create has a piece of yourself in them, including the more eccentric ones. All you can truly aspire for is that these unusual aspects of your characters are well-contained within you.

In truth, Welsh appeared in minor roles in both Trainspotting movies. When asked about a potential large, ten-hour series for Netflix, modeled after Men in Love, he mentioned that he’s been collaborating with Bobby Carlyle on a similar project, but he’d prefer to work with some exceptional young actors and reboot the entire storyline, starting from the prequel Skagboys.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been pondering if McGregor could nab the leading role. But, you never know what the casting team or Hollywood investors might think about it.

Even though such events might seem unlikely, it’s anticipated that Welsh’s West End adaptation of Trainspotting will premiere next year. Additionally, he has recently collaborated on a “disco soul” album that was launched alongside Men in Love this week.

The narrative continues directly from where Trainspotting left off, but the main characters have undergone significant transformations or are in the process of doing so. Renton is now seeking love, according to Welsh; Spud has found his ideal partner, and Sick Boy is contemplating matrimony.

Watch the original trailer for Trainspotting below:

The story revolves around individuals grappling with significant romantic decisions, a challenge many of us encounter as we reach our mid-twenties, often finding ourselves unprepared due to societal expectations. These characters have spent most of their lives with friends and family, but suddenly find themselves in a new realm, confronted with relationship choices. The protagonists are drawn from the group in Trainspotting, arguably some of the least prepared individuals for such situations.

Why did Welsh decide to pen a sequel three decades after the initial novel, though? The author admits with a sigh, “It’s not what one might expect from someone aiming for profit – sensible people would have established a brand and published the series in sequence. However, I tend to gather the crew when a theme strikes me that I wish to explore.

Instead of focusing on the negativity and divisiveness that seems prevalent today, I’ve come to believe it’s important for me as a writer to delve into and promote themes of love. In this journey, I am increasingly drawn towards investigating how people form connections rather than examining the factors that drive them apart.

It seems quite possible that the change in his approach is indicative of a heightened focus on love in Welsh’s personal life. After experiencing several significant relationships and going through breakups, it often happens that one attributes these failures to their partners’ traits. However, upon reflection, one might come to the conclusion that there are many past connections littered along your path, suggesting that perhaps the shared factor is oneself.

As a devoted cinephile, I’ve been on a journey of self-discovery over the past decade. There comes a time when you ponder, “I can’t afford another heartache – it’s too high a price to pay, both emotionally and financially. Love and separation are costly lessons.” Yet, I still appreciate lawyers, but I’m not fond of having them as regular guests in my life.

When the topic of this defense arises, Welsh swiftly asserts: “It wasn’t my concept. It was the publishers’. They claim that the internet is so influential that it’s effortless for readers to misinterpret a passage from the book. I strongly disagreed with this because it’s fiction, a novel set in the 80s, and that’s enough context. I thought [the note] was entirely superfluous – but given our current tense circumstances, it seemed to satisfy everyone.

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2025-07-21 23:35