Wolf Hall - Season 2 - The Mirror & the Light

New series starts on Sunday 10 November.

I’ve just been watching a programme on iPlayer - Peter Kominsky Remembers Wolf Hall. He was the director and also directed the latest series due to be televised soon. He gives wonderful insights into the production and the actors, and Hilary Mantel’s relationship with the project. Worth a watch.

Can’t wait. Love HM and her way of writing. Looking forward to ‘The Mirror and the Light’.

Greyduster

I loved the Shardlake books, but I watched the first episode of the tv series and was deeply disappointed.

Yes, I was very lukewarm about the TV version. I'd watch another series to give it a fair chance, but if it didn't improve I'd easily give up.

I think Hilary Mantel rehabilitated Tom Cromwell in Wolf Hall, he was customarily cast as the arch-villain but there's much historical evidence of his social reforms & concern for ordinary men & women. Mark Rylance is wonderful at this, you can't help but sympathise with his Cromwell in all his complexity. Didn't know "The Mirror & the light" was coming, thank you Gransnet.

I loved the Shardlake books, but I watched the first episode of the tv series and was deeply disappointed.

Franbern

People who enjoyed reading Hilary Mantels trilogy should look ito C J Sanson's 'Shardlake' books. First two include Cromwell, although different interpretation of him,.

Thanks, Franbern.
Useful and interesting to know.

People who enjoyed reading Hilary Mantels trilogy should look ito C J Sanson's 'Shardlake' books. First two include Cromwell, although different interpretation of him,.

Funny isn't it that so many people complain about the BBC (there's never anything to watch etc etc) and yet we have had the wonderful Wolf Hall and many other good tv series, such as Happy Valley.

Mark Rylance is a brilliant actor and very versatile I think.

I agree with everything that Labradora said. Mark Rylance in particular is perfectly cast as Cromwell.
I’m really looking forward to The Mirror and the Light.

I have all HMantel's books. I think that the Thomas Cromwell trilogy was a work of genius. HM lost way too soon.
Thought the Wolf Hall tv adaptation also genius . Rylance , Hill , Pryce, Foy , Lewis -all outstanding as was the whole cast. I thought one of the most successful adaptations of a novel that I have ever seen.
Loved the music.
Delighted that "Mirror and the Light" is on its way.....
Agree Timothy Spall has big shoes to fill but he's normally very, very good so hopeful.

Sadly Bernard Hill has died.

Ilovecheese

I have read them all, and rewatched the first series in preparation for the new one.
Does anyone know if Bernard Hill is in the new one?

It seems not : www.imdb.com/title/tt30088743/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_ql_1

I loved all three books. Bernard Hill was a wonderful Duke of Norfolk. I shall never forget his uttering ‘by the thrice beshitten shroud of Lazarus’. I’m sorry he isn’t in the final part.

I can’t wait for the new series. I’ve watched Wolf Hall several times and also reread the books. I’ve just started reading Hilary Mantel’s memoirs “A Life in Writing “ that was given to me as a gift.

Great news! Re-watched series 1 recently. Loved the books too!

I have every book that Hilary Mantel wrote.She’s the sort of author you can re-read time after time.No greater accolade for an author is there?

Sara1954

I don’t need much of an excuse to watch Wolf Hall again, does anyone know when The Mirror and the Light is due to be aired?

According to Google, towards the end of the year (Nov-Dec). Probably in time for Xmas. No exact date given.

I don’t need much of an excuse to watch Wolf Hall again, does anyone know when The Mirror and the Light is due to be aired?

I’ve just finished watching Wolf Hall (again!) as I knew The Mirror & The Light was on soon, I can’t wait! She was such a wonderful writer, the books were wonderful and I think Wolf Hall the tv version did them so much justice.

I thoroughly enjoyed the books and have watched Wolf Hall 3 times so far. Looking forward to The Mirror and the Light when it arrives. Will probably watch all the old episodes again before it starts.

I remember seeing something about how the actors and director worked with Hilary Mantel to ensure they kept the essence of her characters and plots. Hopefully as Peter Kosminsky and many of the original actors are back for The Mirror and the Light it will still have the same energy.

Doodledog

Mollygo

I like the first film, so another is good news. The books were on my DNF list.

Mine too. I don't know why, but I didn't get away with them at all. My mind would wander when I was reading, and I'd realise I had no idea what was going on. I tried the Audible versions, but they were the same.

At the start of the pandemic I listened to The Mirror and the Light on BBC Sounds. (it’s what got me into listening to podcasts) For some reason I found it very comforting despite its subject matter. I still can’t quite got my head round the fact that Hilary Mantel is no longer with us. I saw a documentary about her and found her absolutely wonderful.

I couldn't finish the book and I've never seen the TV one. Nice to have something to look forward to.

Thanks Greyduster, he should be a worthy successor.

I will look forward to watching the Mirror and the Light. I've always had an interest in Thomas Cromwell so will enjoy seeing Mark Ryland play the part.
I've read all three books. Hilary Mantel was an exceptional author.