First Look At HBO’s ‘Half Man’ From Baby Reindeer Creator

By Neill Frazer · Managing Editor / Ent.Critic
Aug 21, 2025 · 1 min read

First Look At HBO’s ‘Half Man’ From Baby Reindeer Creator — Image Credit: Warner Bros

HBO and the BBC have released a first look at Half Man, an upcoming original drama created by Richard Gadd, the Emmy-winning writer of Baby Reindeer. The series centers on two estranged brothers, Niall (played by Jamie Bell) and Ruben (Gadd himself). The story kicks off when Ruben unexpectedly appears at Niall’s wedding, triggering a violent confrontation that propels viewers through their intertwined lives. Spanning nearly 40 years—from the 1980s to today—Half Man delves into the complex dynamics of Ruben and Niall’s relationship, highlighting both their highs and lows.

Alongside Gadd and Bell, the cast features Stuart Campbell, Mitchell Robertson, 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.

Gadd serves as creator, writer, and executive producer of Half Man. The series is directed by Alexandra Brodski and Eshref Reybrouck. The official synopsis describes the series as follows: “When Niall’s estranged brother Ruben shows up at his wedding, it leads to an explosion of violence that pushes us back through their lives. Spanning almost 40 years from the 1980s to the present day, the story explores the tumultuous relationship between Niall and Ruben—from their troubled teenage years to their falling out as adults—covering moments of joy, anger, hardship, humor, and challenge. Set against the backdrop of a city and a world in flux, Half Man examines what it truly means to be a man.”