Richard Gadd, the writer and star behind the critically acclaimed Netflix series Baby Reindeer, is set to return with a new project titled Half Man. The six-episode limited series, created by and starring Gadd, has been announced for HBO and is expected to explore complex themes of brotherhood, violence, and the fragility of male relationships.
The series will co-star Jamie Bell, known for his breakout role in Billy Elliot. According to the synopsis, Half Man follows the lives of Niall (Gadd) and Ruben (Bell), two men who grow up as inseparable as brothers. Their bond is traced over three decades, from the 1980s to the present day. The story is reportedly triggered when Ruben's uncharacteristic behaviour at Niall's wedding leads to an act of violence, prompting a look back at the events that have shaped their tormented lives.
Gadd, who is openly bisexual, has consistently used his work to examine difficult personal subjects. His 2016 one-man show, Monkey See Monkey Do, dealt with his experience as a survivor of sexual assault and his own feelings of shame surrounding his sexuality. This raw, autobiographical approach was central to the success of Baby Reindeer, which chronicled his experience with a stalker and the unresolved trauma from a past assault.
In previous interviews, Gadd has spoken about his identity with nuance. He described his sexuality to Attitude as being in a constant "state of flux," stating, "Some days I feel one way and other days I feel another way... I’ve tried to pigeonhole myself in my time, and it’s just never worked for me as much as bisexuality has." This perspective informs the depth and complexity seen in his characters.
Beyond his creative work, Gadd is an ambassador for We Are Survivors, a UK charity that supports male survivors of sexual abuse. He has emphasized the importance of breaking the silence around male trauma, a theme that appears central to the premise of Half Man.
Production and Release
Half Man is produced by Mam Tor Productions in association with the BBC and HBO. The series is directed by Alexandra Brodski and Eshref Reybrouck. While an exact release schedule is still distant, it is slated to be available for streaming on HBO Max in the Netherlands and across Europe. Given the two-year development and production cycle following the success of Baby Reindeer, a release is anticipated around April 2026.
