Julia Roberts Joins Cast of Irish Comedy Series ‘Leonard and Hungry Paul’

Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts has officially joined the cast of the upcoming Irish comedy series, Leonard and Hungry Paul. The show, which will air on the BBC, is based on the award-winning novel by Rónán Hession and is set to feature a talented ensemble that includes Alex Lawther and Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, known for her role in Derry Girls.

The series, which will consist of six 30-minute episodes, promises to deliver a unique narrative experience. Julia Roberts will serve as the narrator, bringing her celebrated storytelling ability to the project. Reports indicate that Roberts has been an admirer of Hession’s book, which adds an extra layer of enthusiasm to her involvement.

Production Insights and Creative Team

In a statement, Tristan Orpen Lynch, the Executive Producer, expressed excitement over Roberts’ participation, noting, “It is truly wonderful to have the amazingly talented Julia Roberts join the production. We had heard she was a big fan of Rónán’s beautiful book, and she brings a real warmth and genuine compassionate understanding to this important role.”

The adaptation has been crafted by writers Mark Hodkinson and Richie Conroy, who are well-regarded in the industry. Conroy is notably recognized for his work on the Irish-language mystery series Crá and the recent sports comedy film Fran the Man.

Eddie Doyle, Senior Head of Content Commissioning at BBC Northern Ireland, added to the enthusiasm surrounding the project, stating, “To have Julia Roberts lend her extraordinary voice and storytelling talent to this series is another ringing endorsement for how special this project is. Her narration will add to the magic of this story, and we are excited to bring it to audiences very soon.”

Filming and Release Details

Filming took place in Dublin last May, and the series is slated to premiere later this autumn. The collaboration between the BBC and RTÉ underscores the growing interest in Irish storytelling on international platforms.

As anticipation builds, audiences are eager to experience the unique characters and narratives that Leonard and Hungry Paul promises to deliver. With a blend of humor and warmth, this series aims to resonate with viewers, showcasing the rich tapestry of Irish culture through the lens of its talented cast and crew.