Sophie Turner Transforms From a Single Mother to a Jewel Thief in the Trailer for 'Joan'
Sophie Turner and Frank Dillane in "Joan"
(Photo: The CW)
Our first look at Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones) in the forthcoming historical true crime drama Joan is technically more Queen of Crime than Queen in the North, but there's no doubt that this six-part drama is one of the most intriguing British imports headed to American shores this Fall. The series features Turner's first onscreen role in two years and will air on U.S. network The CW this October. In it, she plays Joan Harrington, a former housewife who fashioned herself into one of England's most famous jewel thieves.
Based on the real Hannington's 2004 memoir, I Am What I Am: The True Story of Britain's Most Notorious Jewel Thief, the story follows Joan's successful rags-to-riches rise from abused housewife to the so-called "Godmother" of London's criminal underworld. Hannington was an expert at check fraud, often donning disguises and changing her accent so she wouldn't be recognized while on a job. But her great love was always diamonds, which she would steal from shops by swallowing whole. (Yes, that shot in the trailer of Turner casually throwing back some jewelry is based on real events.
The clip also focuses heavily on the human element of Joan's story. Sure, she seems to enjoy the glamorous lifestyle and fun accessories that are part and parcel of her life of crime — the parade of wigs and outfits alone is impressive! But the trailer reiterates that she's only doing any of this in the first place because she's trying to hold on to her daughter and give her a better life than she had.
Here's the series description.
Sophie Turner stars as notorious jewel thief Joan Hannington in this exhilarating yet emotional story set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1980s — an era known for its bold fashion trends, iconic music and cultural shifts.
The series opens with Joan, a fiery and uncompromising woman in her twenties who is deeply scarred and vulnerable. She is a devoted mother to her six-year-old daughter, Kelly, but is trapped in a disastrous marriage with a violent criminal named Gary. When Gary goes on the run, Joan seizes the opportunity to create a new life for herself and her daughter. Joan becomes a masterful jewel thief. She embarks on a thrilling, high-stakes journey that challenges her every limit, driven by her desire to care for her daughter and create a secure home for them both.
Alongside Turner, the series also stars Frank Dillane (Renegade Nell) as Boisie, a London antique dealer. Kirsty J. Curtis (Harlots) plays Nancy, Joan’s older sister and salon worker, while Gershwyn Eustache Jr. (A Spy Among Friends) portrays Albie, an old acquaintance of Boisie's who’s made a new life in Spain with his wife Val, who is played by Laura Aikman (Archie).
The six-part series is written by Anna Symon (The Essex Serpent) and directed by BAFTA winner Richard Laxton (Rain Dogs). The series hails from Snowed-In Productions and is executive produced by Ruth Kenley-Letts (Stonehouse), Jenny Van Der Lande (Too Close), Neil Blair (The Midwich Cuckoos) and Richard Laxton. Commissioned for ITVX by Head of Drama Polly Hill, the show is produced in association with All3Media International and The CW Network.
Joan premieres Wednesday, October 2, 2024, on The CW.
