"Wolf Hall" sequel overcame significant funding challenges

The sequel to the acclaimed series "Wolf Hall," titled "The Mirror and the Light," almost did not happen due to significant financial issues. The production faced high costs that made it challenging to secure funding in the UK. Director Peter Kosminsky recalled that just six weeks before filming was set to begin, they were about to shut down the project because of a serious budget crisis. To save the series, key team members, including Kosminsky and star Mark Rylance, agreed to take major pay cuts. Writer Peter Straughan also joined in to help make the production possible. Their sacrifices allowed filming to start, and the show is set to debut in the U.S. on PBS's Masterpiece. Filmed in historic locations, "The Mirror and the Light" follows Thomas Cromwell during a tumultuous period after the execution of Anne Boleyn. The series revisits Cromwell’s complex rise in the royal court while facing new challenges, including political unrest and personal losses. The production team was deeply committed to honoring the late author Hilary Mantel, who passed away unexpectedly in 2022. They initially considered not moving forward with the show as a tribute to her but decided she would have wanted it completed. Despite facing numerous production hurdles, including rising costs and insurance challenges, they persevered. Kosminsky pointed out the increasing difficulties for high-end British dramas due to soaring production costs driven by local inflation and intense competition from U.S. streaming services. The financial structures for such projects have shifted, making it harder to produce content for public broadcasters effectively. Amid these challenges, the creative team remains hopeful that "The Mirror and the Light" can find success, even as the landscape for British television continues to evolve. Kosminsky expressed concern that such projects may not be feasible in the future without significant changes in funding and production practices.