Filming Update on Harlan Coben’s New Netflix Thriller Following the Success of Missing You

Run Away, the latest thriller from renowned author Harlan Coben, is set to begin production, according to actor James Nesbitt. Coben’s ability to weave suspenseful narratives has made him a staple in the mystery and thriller genre, with several of his works successfully adapted into popular Netflix series. Following the acclaim for Fool Me Once, which captivated audiences in early 2024, and the success of Missing You, Coben’s collaboration with Netflix continues to thrive, with more projects on the horizon.

In a recent conversation on BBC Breakfast (as reported by GamesRadar+), Nesbitt announced that filming for Run Away will commence on Monday, January 27. He hints at an engaging storyline filled with unexpected developments and emotional intensity. Here’s what he had to say:

I start filming on Monday. We’ve got a read-through today of his new production called Run Away, which is just fantastic, vintage him. I think it really has got huge depth, unbelievable twists and turns.

I play a successful businessman who’s got a perfect life, a wonderful marriage, three children but then his eldest daughter Paige runs away. He finally gets a chance to find her, finds her strung out and vulnerable in a park. I think I have the opportunity to bring her home but she’s not alone. And a terrible scene which descends into violence ensues and then I have to try and find her all over again. I can’t wait.

Nesbitt previously portrayed a lead role in another Coben adaptation, Stay Close, released in 2021.

What Nesbitt’s Update Means for Run Away

Potential Release Timeline for the Netflix Thriller

Broome and Erin in a promotional image for Stay Close

While Nesbitt provides an intriguing summary of Run Away, the complexity of Coben’s narrative extends further. Nesbitt will embody a character named Simon, who ultimately becomes entangled as a primary suspect in a murder investigation. His story is complicated by the presence of contract killers, Ash and Dee-Dee, leading to a notably high body count. Like other recent Coben adaptations such as Fool Me Once and Missing You, Run Away promises to plunge its protagonist into a dark and intricate web of crime and mystery, a formula that resonates well with viewers.

The timing of Nesbitt’s filming announcement suggests that audiences could anticipate Run Away on Netflix around this time next year. Both Fool Me Once and Missing You debuted in January and achieved remarkable success, securing spots in the global top 10 charts. Additionally, Coben is not stopping there; he recently disclosed the development of another project titled Lazarus, which might premiere on Prime Video in 2025.

Our Perspective on Run Away

Opportunities for Growth from Previous Adaptations

While Fool Me Once received generally favorable reviews, critics had mixed feelings about Missing You, evident in their Rotten Tomatoes scores of 45% and 33%, respectively. However, viewership numbers indicate that both productions were well-received by audiences. Following the conclusion of Missing You, viewers may be eager for another gripping Coben mystery.

Run Away has the potential to address some of the previous series’ weaknesses by integrating Coben’s signature twists alongside multifaceted characters and an emotionally resonant plot. Previous adaptations like The Stranger, Stay Close, and Safe were met with critical acclaim, setting a high bar for Run Away. Though many questions linger about this new project, it’s clear that Netflix is committed to continuing its partnership with the accomplished author.

Source: BBC Breakfast (via GamesRadar+)

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