BBC’s ‘dark’ new Lord of the Flies series already has viewers feeling traumatised

The BBC has unveiled the trailer for its new Lord of the Flies series, and some viewers are already beginning to feel traumatised.

Adapted by Adolescence writer Jack Thorne and directed by Marc Munden, all four episodes will be released on Sunday February 8 on BBC One and iPlayer.

Based on William Golding’s classic novel of the same name, the series follows a group of school boys shipwrecked on a tropical island with no adults following a deadly plane crash.

In an attempt to remain civil, the children organise themselves with Ralph and the group’s intellectual, Piggy, leading everyone.

However, when Jack becomes more interested in hunting and cementing his leadership, a fracture begins and chaos soon ensues amongst the children.

The BBC limited series is not the first adaptation of the critically-acclaimed novel, with Peter Brook’s black-and-white film from 1963 coming as the first adaptation.

Following that, the 1990 colour version directed by Harry Hook also come.

But the BBC’s latest adaptation, which remains truthful to the novel’s original 1950s setting on an unnamed Pacific island, is the first time the story has been put on television.

Each of the four episodes is also titled after a main character – Ralph, Piggy, Simon, and Jack – which will offer a different perspective.

Made with the support of Lord of the Flies author William’s family, the cast is made up of an ensemble of more than 30 boys, many of whom will be making their professional acting debuts.

Taking to social media, fans of the original book appeared to be ecstatic, with Christopher writing on X: ‘Can’t wait.’

Bunsan also wrote: ‘For those of you who haven’t read the book, you’re in for a reaaaal treat!!!’

Meanwhile, Emmanuel added: ‘I think this is going to be good. Hopefully it stays true to the novel,’ as Jay said: ‘This book traumatised me’

Matthew also argued: ‘One of my favorite books and this actually looks great!’

The famous novel has become one of the most popular books on the English curriculum for the last 70 years and saw its writer William win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1983.

Previously, Adolescence writer Jack said that the book ‘left a scar on him like no other’ and he was delighted to be adapting this.

‘Working with the mighty BBC, Charlotte and Lindsay to bring this to life, finding our director and actors will be, I’m sure, one of the joys of my life. and said he was delighted to be adapating this,’ he told the BBC.

Lord of the Flies will be coming to BBC iPlayer on Sunday February 8.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.