Conversations With Friends director teases possible Marianne and Connell appearance

Normal People took over our screens during lockdown as one of the most binge-worthy shows. From Connell's internet famous chain to those realistic sex scenes, we were all hooked and nothing was more heartbreaking than the final credits rolling across the last episode.

If you're yearning for a new show that's just as addictive as Normal People, you're in luck because Sally Rooney's novel Conversations With Friends was just picked up to be adapted into a series.

What is Conversations With Friends?

If you haven't already read the novel with your bookclub, this book is sure to fill the Normal People sized hole in your heart. Published in 2017, Sally Rooney's debut novel, which also takes place in Dublin, follows aspiring writer Frances and her best friend (and ex-girlfriend) Bobbi. After meeting the alluring married couple Melissa and Nick, the two begin a strange romance that creates a rollercoaster of emotional consequences.

When does Conversations With Friends premiere? 

In an exclusive interview with Radio Times, director Lenny Abrahamson (who also directed Normal People) said that the show is in production and, as of now, doesn't know when it will air. 

The show has been described as a "cousin" to Normal People and when asked if the show would take place within the same universe Lenny responded by saying, "Yes, that’s perfect! And Connell could be some moping boy in the background, licking his pencil. Now we’re talking, that’s gold!”

So, while our favorite onscreen couple won't be making a permanent appearance in the new show, Lenny has given us hope that a surprise cameo (even if just in the background) could be a possibility.

As far as this new cast goes, there will be some newcomers as well as familiar faces including Sasha Lane who is known for her role in the 2016 movie American Honey as well as the US version of the TV series Utopia. Sasha will star as Bobbi and even shared the news on her Instagram along with the rest of the cast lineup.

Newcomer Alison Oliver will take on the role of Frances while stars including Joe Alwyn (known for his role in The Favorite) will play Nick and Jemima Kirke (known for Jessa in HBO's Girls) will take on the role of Melissa.