Leave It to the Imagination': Normal People Star Éanna Hardwicke Says No to a Sequel

Leave It to the Imagination': Normal People Star Éanna Hardwicke Says No to a Sequel

Normal People actor Éanna Hardwicke has expressed his disinterest in a sequel to the beloved TV series, stating that he’s "not a fan of rehashing things."

"I think it's nicer to leave it in people's imaginations, and let it remain as it was," the 28-year-old actor shared with BBC News at a pre-Oscars party in Los Angeles on Thursday evening.

Based on Sally Rooney’s bestselling novel, Normal People delves into the complex, on-and-off relationship between teenagers Marianne and Connell, portrayed by Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal, respectively. Hardwicke played Rob, Connell’s high school friend, who faces a tragic storyline involving depression and suicide.

Released in April 2020, Normal People quickly became a cultural phenomenon during the lockdown. Last year, Edgar-Jones and Mescal stirred speculation of a sequel with an Instagram post, though they later clarified that it was part of a reunion for a charity screening, not a follow-up to the series.

Hardwicke emphasized that it wasn't about his personal involvement that led to his opposition to a sequel. "I’d be happy to watch it as a viewer, as I could enjoy it from that perspective," he admitted. "But I do think it’s better left as it is. I can understand why some people might want to revisit the story."

While Hardwicke is firm in his stance on a sequel, he did acknowledge a curiosity about the characters' futures. "Of course, part of me is curious. I’d love to see those characters 15 years down the line," he said, adding that he’s a huge fan of Rooney’s work. "I’m always excited when she releases a new book, and I’m eager to see what she does next."

He also reflected fondly on his time working with his co-stars, saying, "We all stay in touch, which is nice. It was a really special experience for all of us, and that connection will never change. We still meet up now and then and say, ‘God, that was mad.’"

More recently, Hardwicke starred in the BBC One true-crime drama The Sixth Commandment, where he portrayed Benjamin Field, a murderer involved in the deaths of Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin in Buckinghamshire. Reflecting on the show, Hardwicke noted the responsibility that comes with telling true stories and ensuring they are handled with sensitivity. "It’s about approaching these stories with care and scrutiny, not in a manipulative way," he explained. "As an actor, you want to work on projects with that level of depth."