Daryl McCormack (Peaky Blinders, Pixie) is set to take on the eponymous role of Leo Grande in ‘Good Luck To You, Leo Grande’, joining two-time Academy Award-winner Emma Thompson in the upcoming comedy drama from Genesius Pictures (Mrs Lowry & Son, Northern Soul), directed by Sophie Hyde (Animals, 52 Tuesdays).
Rising star McCormack will portray Leo Grande, a sex worker in his 20s hired by Nancy Stokes (Thompson). Nancy yearns for some adventure, human connection and good sex, which she was robbed of in her stable but stale marriage. To make things right, the ex-teacher devises a plan and hires the services of Leo Grande for a night of bliss.
McCormack has established himself as a sought-after talent who is currently shooting the BBC One season finale of ‘Peaky Blinders’. Other upcoming projects include the highly anticipated Amazon TV series ‘Wheel of Time’ and Dominic Savage’s award-winning anthology series ‘I Am…,’ for Channel 4. Daryl can currently be seen in Pixie, a brand-new feature film opposite Olivia Cooke and Ben Hardy. Further film and television credits include ‘How to Fake a War’, ‘A Good Woman is Hard to Find’, BBC One’s ‘A Very English Scandal’, ITV’s ‘Cleaning Up’ (ITV) and the History Channel’s ‘Vikings’.
Filming is set to commence at the start of March in Norwich, with strict Covid-19 protocols in place throughout production.
‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’ will be directed by Sophie Hyde from an original screenplay by award-winning comedian and writer Katy Brand. Align is financing the film with principal Adrian Politowski producing alongside Debbie Gray from Genesius Pictures. Executive Producers include Martin Metz, Nessa McGill and Nadia Khamlichi of Align, Julian Gleek of Genesius Pictures, Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder of Cornerstone and Katy Brand.
Cornerstone, who first brought the film to market at the virtual AFM, are handling international sales and distribution, co-repping the US sales rights together with CAA Media Finance.
Daryl McCormack said: “Working alongside Emma and Sophie in such an intimate way is something I couldn’t have imagined. To be their Leo is something I’m massively excited for. “
Director Sophie Hyde said: “I’m so delighted to welcome Daryl to the project as Leo Grande and am relishing the energy, thoughtfulness and talent he brings. The pairing of Emma and Daryl feels fresh and exciting and I can’t wait to see them together on screen.” Genesius Pictures’ Debbie Gray added, “I am delighted Daryl is joining the Film. He is a brilliant young actor who will bring his talent to the role of Leo Grande”.