Line of Duty icon and more stars confirmed for “chaotic” Dublin-set family drama based on best-selling novel

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Netflix has begun filming a brand new dramatic series titled “Grown Ups,” an adaptation from the beloved book penned by Marian Keyes, which takes place in Dublin.

In a recent announcement, the streamer has disclosed the ensemble for their upcoming 8-part series. Among them are Sarah Greene and Barry Ward who will portray Jessie and Johnny respectively, similar roles to those they played in Bad Sisters. Aisling Bea from Taskmaster is set to embody Cara, while Robert Sheehan, known for his role in The Umbrella Academy, will take on the character of Liam.

In a new development, a well-known figure from the Line of Duty series is set to appear in the cast. Adrian Dunbar will portray Canice, alongside Amy-Leigh Hickman (from You) as Nell, Sinéad Cusack (Marcella) as Rose, and Karin Hanczewski (Call My Agent: Berlin) as Ed.

Simultaneously, the fresh graduate, James Agnew from Lir Drama school in Dublin, has been cast as Ferdia, while Katelyn Rose Downey, set to appear in Blade Runner 2099, will portray Saoirse.

In a recent development, James Agnew, who’s just graduated from the Lir Drama school in Dublin, will play the role of Ferdia, and Katelyn Rose Downey, soon to be seen in Blade Runner 2099, has been cast as Saoirse.

Both sentences convey the same information but with different sentence structures for variety and readability.

The description for this series is: “Located in south county Dublin, Grown Ups explores the tumultuous lives of the Casey family, an energetic, closely-knit Irish group tied together by a complex mix of loyalty, bitterness, wealth, reminiscence, and affection.

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, when the pillar of a family, the ‘upstanding son’, passes away suddenly, it triggers an immense, seismic emotional upheaval. Over the ensuing year, the Casey family navigates through the labyrinth of love, revisiting old wounds and unintentionally inflicting fresh ones.

The Caseys will have to confront not just their sorrow, but the draining, unyielding, sometimes absurd challenges that come with maturity. Even though they may seem immature given their age and duties, they are still far from being fully grown.

The show originates from the pen of Samantha Strauss, a writer and producer known for crafting another Netflix drama titled “Apple Cider Vinegar.

Strauss expressed in a statement that he isn’t the only one captivated by every word penned by Marian Keyes, and it’s an exceptional moment in his life to have been granted responsibility for her characters as they bring the Casey family and the realm of Grown Ups to Netflix.

Our Set Director, James Griffiths, is already creating something stunningly human. It’s a dream to work alongside such an awe-inspiring cast and dedicated crew right here in sunny Ireland.

In the meantime, Keyes expressed her thoughts about her work being adapted as follows: “Filming for Grown Ups started in Dublin, and it feels like a beautiful sequence of dreams realized. On October 15, 2020, during the peak of the Covid pandemic, I had a Zoom conversation with Samantha Strauss from Picking Scabs (a See-Saw Films label).

In the Gold Coast of Australia, she was adapting Liane Moriarty’s Nine Perfect Strangers. Meanwhile, I found myself confined to my room in Dublin as I navigated another lockdown.

Six months prior, Sam acquired the rights to the book titled “Grown Ups,” and for us, it was our initial conversation. Right from the start, our emotional and artistic bond felt instantaneous.

Her questions were insightful, and she passionately advocated for filming the show in Ireland. Many books are optioned but seldom reach the screen (I’ve been there myself, chuckle). Funding is typically the most significant hurdle. However, after our initial discussion, I was convinced by her arguments, and I placed my trust in her.

Keyes remarked: “Later, Netflix joined in, making it even easier to appreciate and rely on the team members. For quite some time, the only individuals I encountered in relation to this project were women.

After the auditions, I was astonished – the caliber of talent exceeded all expectations: such a remarkable team of individuals! Similarly, the two dedicated directors and the tireless production crew were equally impressive.”

Or,

“Once we started casting, it turned out to be far better than I could have ever imagined – an extraordinarily gifted group of people. The same can be said about our talented directors and the diligent production team.

She wrapped up by expressing how thrilling and enjoyable it has been to be a part of this project, as she watched everything fall into place. She felt deeply honored by the dedication and effort of everyone involved, and was incredibly grateful for the thoughtful treatment of her characters. Above all, she felt immensely proud.

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2025-09-11 13:05