Tom Brittney reveals first new project after leaving ‘Grantchester’

Grantchester star Tom Brittney is planning to make his directorial feature debut.

Best known for playing Reverend Will Davenport in ITV’s hit period crime drama series since 2018, the English actor will be departing the role in the next season.

It was revealed this autumn that Brittney was auditioning to play the new Superman, but with that role ultimately going to David Corenswet from House of Cards, he’s now eyeing up the next exciting phase of his career.

Having directed a couple of episodes of Grantchester, Tom Brittney is planning to direct a movie adaptation of Jon Ransom’s acclaimed debut novel The Whale Tattoo.

He’s developing the project with fellow actor Oliver Powell (Devs).

“[Jon’s] writing is incredibly evocative, raw and steeped in atmosphere,” commented Brittney and Powell. “We’re excited to help him bring Joe’s story of grief and forgiveness to life.”

Jon Ransom is set to write the film’s script.

“It’s an absolute dream come true,” said the Whale Tattoo author. “Tom and Ollie’s passion for developing the novel into a film is everything a writer could wish for.”

The book’s official synopsis reads: “”When a giant sperm whale washes up on the local beach and tells Joe Gunner that death will follow him wherever he goes.

“Joe knows that the place he needs to go is home. Having stormed out two years ago, it won’t be easy. Nor will returning to the river alongside the house where words ripple beneath the muddy black water washing up all sorts of memories and disturbing prophecies.

“Joe turns to his sister, Birdee, the only person who has ever listened and to Tim Fysh, a local fisherman and longtime lover – but reviving their bond leads to trouble.

“Joe tells himself that the whale’s predictions are wrong but the river is relentless. As the waters settle, Joe learns the truth and finds that all of us can hate, but we can make a choice not to.”

The ninth season of Grantchester, featuring Tom Brittney’s final scenes, began filming this summer and is expected to premiere in 2024.

UK viewers are still bizarrely waiting to see the show’s eighth season, however, even though it already aired in the US way back in July!

Tom Brittney is also teaming up with the makers of Patrick Melrose and Summer of Rockets for a television adaptation of his mother’s Mayfair 100 novels.

Set during the First World War, Lynn Brittney’s book series explores a covert female task force who uncover a series of dark and gruesome crimes in London.

Grantchester is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.