Baby Reindeer’s Richard Gadd Beefs Up for New HBO Series — Get a First Look

Richard Gadd, is that really you?

HBO and the BBC on Wednesday released a first look at the upcoming drama series Half Man, a role for which Baby Reindeer‘s Gadd has undergone quite the physical transformation. In addition to starring in Half Man, Gadd also created, wrote and executive-produced the six-episode series.

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Richard Gadd as RubenCourtesy of HBO

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So, what’s Half Man all about? Here’s what to expect, per the official logline: “When Niall’s estranged ‘brother’ Ruben shows up at his wedding, it leads to an explosion of violence that catapults us back through their lives.” Gadd plays Ruben, while Niall is portrayed by Jamie Bell.

Half Man spans nearly four decades, beginning in the 1980s, as the series “explores the highs and lows of Ruben and Niall’s relationship, from meeting them as troubled teenagers to witnessing their falling out as adults, with all the good, bad, terrible, funny, angry, and challenging moments along the way. The series will capture the wild energy of a changing city — a changing world, even — and plumb the depths of what it means to be a man.”

Jamie Bell as Niall and Richard Gadd as Ruben

The series also stars Stuart Campbell (as young Ruben), Mitchell Robertson (as young Niall), Neve McIntosh, Marianne McIvor, Charlie De Melo, Bilal Hasna, Julie Cullen, Amy Manson, Philippine Velge, Stuart McQuarrie, Piers Ewart, Scot Greenan, Charlotte Blackwood and Calum Manchip.

Though a specific date has yet to be announced, Half Man will premiere sometime in 2026 on HBO Max. Are you intrigued? Drop a comment with your early thoughts below.