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Jack Thorne’s connection to *Lord of the Flies* began in his childhood when his mother, a substitute English teacher, gave him a copy of the novel that bore the stamp of the Portway English Department. Although he never studied the book formally at school, Thorne recalls with humor that his copy was, in his words, “a stolen copy.” The novel’s powerful impact left a lasting impression on him, shaping his understanding of the story’s complex portrayal of young boys who, after being stranded on an island, descend into violent chaos. Now, as an experienced screenwriter, Thorne is adapting this classic by William Golding into a four-part series for the BBC.
Thorne highlights the common misconception about the novel, noting that while *Lord of the Flies* is often viewed as simply emblematic of the “evilness of boys,” the reality is far more nuanced. He describes the story as “a remarkably tender portrait” exploring the moments when children become trapped in situations beyond their control. Known for his insightful depictions of masculinity and violence, Thorne has previously won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his series *Adolescence*, which addresses themes like toxic masculinity and online radicalization, and is even used to facilitate discussions in schools across the UK.
The new adaptation offers a deeper insight into the characters’ psychological landscapes, balancing their cruelty with their vulnerability. Director Marc Munden, who collaborates with Thorne for the fourth time on this project, hopes viewers will gain a better understanding of how easily circumstances can spiral out of control, reflecting a broader metaphor for societal breakdown. He observes, “The world’s still full of those confused little boys creating chaos in the world in the guise of men and hopefully this is a little microcosm of that which helps us understand that.”
The original story, penned by Nobel Prize winner Golding, tells of a group of schoolboys evacuated from an unnamed war who find themselves stranded on an island without adults. After initial attempts to form a society, they turn violent and begin hunting each other. Thorne notes that his perception of the lead character Jack evolved over time—from seeing him as “the epitome of evil” and a figure representing everything he disliked in boys, to recognizing him as a complex individual who is “as loving as he is hateful.” The series reflects this complexity by dedicating each episode to the perspective of a different key character—beginning with Piggy, the voice of reason; followed by Jack, the leader of the choirboys; Simon, a sensitive and independent boy; and finally Ralph, the elected leader of the group. This structure aims to deepen viewers’ understanding of the boys’ inner struggles, particularly Jack’s internal conflicts, which Thorne believes “allows the story to flower in a completely different way because you are literally looking into the eyes of someone that is fighting themselves.”
Munden emphasizes that while revealing the characters’ complexities doesn’t excuse their actions, it encourages empathy and comprehension. He hopes the adaptation helps those who have viewed the story as purely “brutal and pessimistic” to see the “lot of love” with which Golding and Thorne depict these characters. Despite challenging logistics filming on location in Malaysia with a large cast of children, Munden praises the young actors for their dedication, describing the four leads as “remarkable.”
Thorne also sees this adaptation as an “empathy box,” a medium that encourages dialogue and connection. Drawing from his own childhood memories of watching *EastEnders* with his mother and using storylines to communicate personal struggles, he hopes *Lord of the Flies* can similarly help young viewers navigate the difficulties of adolescence. He stresses the importance of revisiting Golding’s story in turbulent times, hoping it reinforces efforts to “stop our own cruelty from emerging.” Munden echoes this sentiment, highlighting the “tragic truth” behind the social collapse depicted in the story and seeking to infuse the series with a “sense of une
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