Get ready to dive back into the world of William Golding's timeless 1954 novel Lord of the Flies. The classic text, which follows a group of schoolboys who crash-land on a tropical island, is getting the TV treatment with a brand new four-part series airing on 8 February.
The series, written by Adolescence creator Jack Thorne - best known for his work on Toxic Town, Enola Holmes and Joy - has four young actors stepping into the iconic roles of Ralph, Piggy, Simon and Jack.
Casting director Nina Gold (Game of Thrones, Baby Reindeer) led an open call for boys aged five to 13. Alongside the four leads, 30 young actors will portray the island's "biguns" and "littluns".
Lord of the Flies is the latest BBC adaptation to add to your watch list in 2026 - but it's not the only classic being made for the screen this year. Keep scrolling to meet the cast – including some surprising celebrity connections.
© BBC/ELEVEN/J REDZARalph is the son of actor Parker Sawyers
Ralph – played by Winston Sawyers
First up is Ralph, who is played by Winston Sawyers and becomes the elected leader of the group. This adaptation will be the young actor's second credit, after starring in 2025 thriller The Crow Girl, starring Eve Miles. Winston is following in his father's footsteps, as he's the son of American actor Parker Sawyers – known for his roles in Dune: Prophecy, The Bombing of Pan Am 103 and The Discovery of Witches. Proud dad Parker celebrated the news on Instagram, writing: "In awe of my son, Winston, who is filming for BBC's LORD OF THE FLIES, playing none other than RALPH. Hats off, Boy Wonder!"
© BBC/ELEVEN/J REDZADavid McKenna plays Piggy
Piggy – played by David McKenna
One of my all-time favourite characters, the clever and loyal Piggy will be portrayed by Belfast-born David. A member of the Belfast School of Performing Arts since age four, he's reportedly been eyed up for the role of Digory Kirke in Netflix's upcoming film adaptation of CS Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia.
© BBC/ELEVEN/J REDZAIke Talbut (far right) plays Simon
Simon – played by Ike Talbut
Often seen as the moral compass of the story, kind-hearted Simon will be brought to life by newcomer Ike Talbut. This marks Ike's first acting credit – and we can't wait to see him take to the screen as one of the most important characters in the story.
© BBC/ELEVEN/J REDZALox Pratt is also starring in the new Harry Potter series
Jack – played by Lox Pratt
Power-hungry Jack will be played by Lox Pratt. Lord of the Flies won't be the first huge project for the Cornwall-born young actor, as he is also bringing the iconic Draco Malfoy to life in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series. Lox took to Instagram to share the news of his casting, writing: "So stoked to share the first look pics from Lord of the Flies. I can't wait for you to see it! Coming to your screens soon #iplayer."
© BBC/ELEVEN/J REDZACornelius Brandreth (back right) plays Maurice
Maurice – played by Cornelius Brandreth
Cornelius, who plays one of Jack's choir members, is the grandson of Gyles Brandreth, former politician and TV presenter. Sharing the announcement online, he shared: "I'm so so excited to announce that I've been cast as Maurice in the BBC's Lord of the Flies!! It's crazy - I was studying the novel at school when I first heard about the open casting call …and now this. We're filming now in Malaysia and it's been an amazing experience so far. I've met so many lovely and talented people. I can't wait for you all to see it. This is going to be an epic adventure – stay tuned!"
© BBC/Eleven/Callum Devrell-CameronSam and Eric – played by Noah and Cassius Flemyng
Rounding out the celebrity-ties, Noah and Cassius Flemyng are playing twins Sam and Eric. The boys are the sons of British actor Jason Flemyng, who is famed for his roles in Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, Stardust and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
What to expect from the new Lord of the Flies
Based on the iconic novel, the story follows a group of schoolchildren who find themselves stranded on a tropical island with no adults, following a deadly plane crash.
The synopsis continues: "In an attempt to remain civil, the boys organise themselves, led by Ralph and supported by the group's intellectual, Piggy. But Jack, who is in charge of signal fire duty, is more interested in hunting and vying for leadership and soon begins to draw other boys away from the order of the group and, ultimately, from hope to tragedy."
Who is William Golding?
While the acclaimed novelist is famed for his debut novel Lord of the Flies, he was also a playwright and poet, penning 12 books in his lifetime. In 1980, William received the Booker Prize for his adventure book, Rites of Passage, and was awarded a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1983. Knighted for his contributions to literature in 1988, he died at the age of 81 and is considered one of the greatest British writers in history.
Other classic adaptations to watch in 2026
Golding's fictional world isn't the only classic coming to the BBC this year.
Charles Dickens' 1859 novel A Tale of Two Cities is being made into a four-part miniseries starring Game of Thrones lead Kit Harrington, François Civil and Mirren Mack. Hong Khaou - known for Mr Loverman - serves as the show's director, while Daniel West - whose work includes Top Boy - has signed on as a writer.
Another BBC series for readers and Pride and Prejudice enthusiasts to look out for is The Other Bennet Sister, which follows Elizabeth's sister Mary Bennett. While waiting for the new series to drop, viewers can revisit the best of Jane Austen with the BBC's 1995 TV series adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, and the 2006 drama series, Jane Eyre, adapted from Charlotte Brontë's 1847 novel.
Directed by Marc Munden (National Treasure), all four episodes come out on 8 February, 2026.
