How Terry Pratchett’s legacy lives on with Good Omens

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This feature was first published in 2023.

In the early 1990s, while staying in a Seattle hotel, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman—the authors of the novel Good Omens—discussed how they might adapt their popular story for television.

Nearly thirty years after the book’s release, and sadly four years after Terry Pratchett passed away, the first season of the TV series – featuring David Tennant as the demon Crowley and Michael Sheen as the angel Aziraphale – launched on Prime Video and was a hit with audiences.

Viewers closely examined each moment of the show and soon spotted numerous nods to Terry Pratchett. These included details like his hat and scarf being prominently displayed in Aziraphale’s bookshop, and how the writing incorporated his ideas and wishes.

Now, the show is about to end with a 90-minute finale, it’s clear it’s a lasting homage to the legendary author.

Following Terry Pratchett’s passing, his legacy continues through Rob Wilkins, who began as his assistant and later managed his estate.

I’ve learned that Wilkins now acts as Terry Pratchett’s official representative, making sure everything we do honors what Terry wanted. From the very beginning of making the show, he’s seen every script and been on set with Neil Gaiman to discuss everything and make sure we’re staying true to Terry’s vision.

In a recent interview with TopMob, Wilkins clarified his role, stating he wasn’t there to speak for Terry, but rather as Terry. He explained that his being on set represented Terry’s presence, emphasizing that he embodies Terry’s spirit and perspective.

He notes how impressive it is to see the care and dedication everyone puts into this project, and how wonderful it is that people still value writing, especially as they’re now bringing those words to life in a new way.

Taking us through the Dirty Donkey pub on set, Wilkins also shows us one of his favourite details – a portrait of Pratchett which takes pride of place.

He exclaimed, ‘It’s Witchfinder General Pratchett!’ Describing the statue, he said it perfectly captured Terry Pratchett – brandy in hand, hat on his head. He admitted he hadn’t known about the statue and found the moment surprisingly moving, feeling that Pratchett wasn’t just remembered fondly, but truly present.

It’s not just the portrait in the pub – Pratchett is everywhere on set if you look for him.

Many fans recognize the hat and scarf prominently shown on the hat rack in Aziraphale’s bookshop.

According to set designer Michael Ralph, the hat and scarf belong to Terry and are left in the shop every day during filming. They’re secured in a safe each night, but consistently remain available for use.

The show also includes smaller details. For example, in a coffee shop scene, producer Sarah-Kate Fenelon noticed the name “Terry” written on the wall among all the graffiti.

Meanwhile, the stars of the show have also revealed that Pratchett is a big presence on set.

David Tennant previously shared with Digital Spy that bringing the story to the screen was something the late Terry Pratchett deeply desired. Pratchett had co-written the original novel and was very keen to see it adapted for the screen – it was, in a way, a final wish of his.

Maggie Service, a standout performer from the second season, shared her thoughts on how Terry Pratchett’s influence is experienced while filming.

“Yeah, he’s always around,” she said. “Again, the first day of filming around the monitors was his hat on his chair, so – it’s giving me goosebumps! He was there and he is there.

It’s amazing. I never met Terry Pratchett personally, but his representative, Rob Wilkins – and that’s a perfect way to describe his role – is committed to ensuring Terry’s legacy continues to be honored and included in everything.

It all started with Neil and Terry – they built this incredible world together. Now it’s largely Neil who keeps it going, and he does it with a kind of magic, which is amazing. But it’s vital to remember this world is still built on both of their ideas and creativity – it’s wonderful they collaborated, and we’re all fortunate to experience the result.

You can start watching Season 3 of Good Omens on Prime Video from May 13th. New customers can try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days.

Authors

Louise GriffinSci-Fi and Fantasy Editor

Louise Griffin edits the Sci-Fi & Fantasy section at TopMob, writing about popular franchises like Doctor Who, Star Wars, Marvel, House of the Dragon, and Good Omens. Before joining TopMob, she was a Senior Entertainment Reporter at Metro and holds a degree in English Literature.

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2026-04-28 21:03