Michelle Dockery Will Go ‘Feral’ on Netflix
Netflix has officially greenlit its newest British drama 'Feral.'
Netflix has finally hit the green light on Feral. The forthcoming series is based on the late British novelist Dame Shirley Conran’s best-selling novel Savages, and was first reported to be heading into production in September 2026. At the time, Netflix would not confirm or deny whether the series was moving forward, or the rumored casting of recent Baby Reindeer breakout star Jessica Gunning in one of the five lead roles.
However, with the full leading ensemble now confirmed, the series is set to begin filming before the end of the year. The original novel, published in 1987, is set in New Guinea, and begins by sending five upper-middle-class British women to follow their husbands to their new jobs in the Commonwealth country. At first, everything seems perfect. The men are on assignment, working with the British-appointed government to assist with population control, the women on a glorious extended vacation. Unfortunately, it all comes crashing to a halt when the five ladies return one day from an afternoon sailing to discover their husbands dead, massacred by rebels, and a coup d’etat is underway in the capital city.
Terrified, the five women grab what little they can and flee into the jungle, helped by the boat’s captain, hoping to stay safe and hidden until they can be rescued. Instead, the quintet learns they’re not nearly as helpless as they thought, as they all find their inner savages.
Here’s the series current synopsis:
Based on the 1987 novel Savages by Shirley Conran, Feral follows four very different women who accompany their mining executive husbands on a corporate holiday to a beautiful but lethal tropical island. When the men’s shady deals land them all in danger, the women must learn to survive the jungle — and each other. The question is, can they put aside their differences, self-doubt, and vanities to stay alive?
As initially reported, Gunning (The Christophers) stars as Annie, the quietly dutiful wife who has sacrificed her ambitions to raise four sons under her domineering husband, Duncan. Today’s announcement reveals she’ll be joined by Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) as Julia, the sensible leader of the group; Genevieve O’Reilly (Andor), who plays wealthy older matron Silvana; Quintessa Swindell (Prime Target) as spoiled trophy wife Suzy; and Dolly de Leon (Nine Perfect Strangers) rounds out the lead ensemble cast as the token American, Elena. Further casting is expected when filming commences.
Actor-turned-writer Jude Mack (Such Brave Girls) adapted the seven-episode series, with director Emma Freeman (Interview with the Vampire) helming all installments and Laurie Borg as the series producer. Mack and Freeman executive produce, along with Liza Marshall & Bria Thomas for Hera Pictures, and Hamish Lewis & David Belshaw for Warner Bros. International Television Production.
Filming for Feral is slated to begin in Australia before the end of 2026. The series is not expected to debut on Netflix until at least late 2027.
Sign up for full access to Telly Visions' recaps and reviews!
