In a star pairing that unites two of Britain’s most acclaimed actors of their generation, Nicholas Hoult and Daisy Edgar-Jones are set to lead “Mosquito,” a dark comedy series from Oscar-nominated writer Tony McNamara that has received a six-episode straight-to-series order from Disney+. The project marks an exciting reunion for Hoult and McNamara following their critically acclaimed collaboration on “The Great,” while bringing Edgar-Jones back to the streaming platform where she achieved breakout success with “Normal People.”
Announced on December 2, 2025, the Hulu original series from the UK will stream on Disney+ internationally and Hulu in the United States as part of Disney+’s ambitious UK original slate. Described as a sardonic and wry look at a young couple’s relationship, “Mosquito” channels the dark, absurdist humor that made McNamara’s previous work so distinctive while exploring the uncomfortable realities that emerge when marital bliss collides with everyday life and hidden truths.
Table of Contents
The Premise: When a Mosquito Disrupts Marital Bliss
“Mosquito” centers on Kate, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Ed, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult—a recently married couple whose carefully constructed personas begin to crumble as daily life chips away at the idealized versions of themselves they’ve presented to each other. The catalyst for this unraveling? An intrusive mosquito that somehow triggers the revelation of secrets and the exposure of hidden aspects of their personalities that neither partner was prepared to confront.
The premise suggests that McNamara is taking the mundane irritation of a household pest and transforming it into a metaphor for the small annoyances and disruptions that can expose deeper fissures in a relationship. Much like how a single mosquito can turn a peaceful night into restless frustration, the series appears poised to explore how minor irritants can magnify existing tensions and force couples to confront uncomfortable truths about each other and themselves.
The show promises to deliver McNamara’s signature blend of sharp dialogue, dark humor, and complex character work. “Mosquito channels the dark, absurdist humor of The Great—as well as McNamara’s film work—while exploring the next stage in a young couple’s relationship which Normal People fans wished to see Marianne and Connell embark on,” according to production details. This description suggests the series will satisfy audiences who loved both McNamara’s witty historical dramedy and the intimate relationship exploration of “Normal People,” which made Edgar-Jones a star.
McNamara’s Vision: Absurd Comedy with Top-Tier Talent
Tony McNamara expressed enthusiasm about the project and his collaborators in his characteristically understated way. “I’m thrilled and excited to work with and team up two of the best actors around,” the writer and executive producer said. “I can’t wait to go make absurd comedy with them.”
The emphasis on “absurd comedy” signals that “Mosquito” will lean into the darkly comedic sensibilities that have defined McNamara’s work throughout his career. His ability to find humor in uncomfortable situations, craft razor-sharp dialogue, and create characters who are simultaneously sympathetic and deeply flawed has become his trademark. The domestic setting of a young marriage provides fertile ground for this approach, offering countless opportunities for the kind of awkward, revealing moments that McNamara excels at depicting.
McNamara’s track record speaks for itself. His collaborations with director Yorgos Lanthimos on “The Favourite” and “Poor Things” earned him two Academy Award nominations for Best Original Screenplay and a BAFTA award. “The Favourite,” a deliciously dark period comedy about power struggles in the court of Queen Anne, showcased McNamara’s gift for period dialogue that feels both authentic and modern, accessible and literary. “Poor Things,” a surreal Victorian-era fantasy about a woman brought back to life with the brain of her unborn child, demonstrated his ability to blend dark comedy with profound explorations of identity, autonomy, and desire.
On television, McNamara created “The Great,” a satirical historical comedy-drama about the rise of Catherine the Great of Russia. The series ran for three seasons on Hulu and earned multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, including acting nominations for Nicholas Hoult and Elle Fanning. The show’s irreverent approach to history, its contemporary sensibility within a period setting, and its willingness to find both humor and pathos in its characters’ struggles made it a critical darling and audience favorite.
All of McNamara’s projects released over the past seven years have been for Disney entities: “The Great” for Hulu on the television side, and films including “The Favourite,” “Poor Things,” and “The Roses” for Searchlight Pictures, plus “Cruella” for Walt Disney Pictures. This consistent relationship with Disney demonstrates mutual trust and creative alignment between the writer and the studio.
Nicholas Hoult: From ‘The Great’ to Superman and Beyond
Nicholas Hoult comes to “Mosquito” riding a wave of critical and commercial success that has positioned him as one of the most versatile and sought-after actors working today. His recent roles demonstrate remarkable range, from playing the villainous Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s “Superman” to embodying the vampiric Count Orlok in Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu.”
In “Superman,” which has generated significant buzz ahead of its release, Hoult takes on the iconic role of Superman’s arch-nemesis with a fresh approach that has drawn praise from early viewers. His portrayal of Lex Luthor showcases his ability to bring depth and charisma to antagonistic roles, breathing new life into a character with decades of cinematic history.
“Nosferatu,” Robert Eggers’ reimagining of the classic vampire tale, saw Hoult delivering a performance that critics have called haunting and mesmerizing. Working with Eggers, known for his meticulous period recreations and atmospheric horror in films like “The Witch” and “The Lighthouse,” Hoult demonstrated his commitment to challenging, artistically ambitious projects.
Coming up, Hoult will star in “How To Rob a Bank” opposite Anna Sawai, adding another dimension to his increasingly diverse filmography. His willingness to move between big-budget franchise films, prestige horror, and intimate character studies reflects an actor interested in craft over celebrity.
However, it’s his work with Tony McNamara on “The Great” that most directly connects to “Mosquito.” As Emperor Peter III of Russia (and later his rebellious lookalike Yemelyan Pugachev), Hoult delivered performances that were simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking, childish and complex. His Peter was a manchild emperor whose immaturity masked genuine vulnerability and whose buffoonish behavior occasionally gave way to moments of unexpected depth and even wisdom.
The role earned Hoult Golden Globe and Emmy nominations and demonstrated his gift for comedy and his ability to make audiences both laugh at and sympathize with deeply flawed characters. “The Great” showed that Hoult and McNamara share a creative wavelength, with the actor perfectly attuned to the writer’s particular brand of dark, sophisticated humor and his interest in characters who resist simple categorization.
McNamara clearly values this partnership, having now cast Hoult in “Mosquito” and making him an executive producer on the series. This elevated role suggests Hoult will have significant creative input on the project beyond his performance, deepening the collaborative relationship between actor and writer.
Daisy Edgar-Jones: From ‘Normal People’ to Hollywood Leading Lady
Daisy Edgar-Jones brings her own impressive trajectory to “Mosquito,” having emerged as one of British television’s most compelling young actors before successfully transitioning to Hollywood films. Her career-defining role came in 2020’s “Normal People,” the Hulu/BBC limited series adapted from Sally Rooney’s acclaimed novel.
As Marianne Sheridan, Edgar-Jones portrayed a complex young woman navigating class differences, family trauma, and an intense, on-again-off-again relationship with her schoolmate Connell (played by Paul Mescal). The role required tremendous vulnerability, emotional depth, and fearlessness, as the series explored intimate relationships with rare honesty and sensitivity. Edgar-Jones’ performance earned her BAFTA and Emmy nominations and established her as a major talent capable of carrying complex, character-driven material.
“Normal People” became a cultural phenomenon, particularly among younger viewers who responded to its authentic depiction of young love, insecurity, and the difficulty of communication even between people who deeply care for each other. The series made Edgar-Jones a household name and positioned her for the transition to film work.
Her recent film “Twisters,” the standalone sequel to the 1996 disaster blockbuster “Twister,” showcased her ability to headline a major studio tentpole. As storm chaser Kate Cooper, Edgar-Jones demonstrated action-film charisma while maintaining the naturalism and emotional authenticity that defined her earlier work. The film’s success proved she could attract audiences in very different genres and scales of production.
Edgar-Jones has an enviable slate of upcoming projects that demonstrate her rising Hollywood profile. She’s set to star in “Sense and Sensibility,” a new adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel. “A Place In Hell” will see her working alongside Oscar winner Michelle Williams in what’s described as a dramatic thriller. Perhaps most intriguingly, “Here Comes the Flood” will unite her with Denzel Washington and Robert Pattinson in what promises to be a prestigious ensemble drama.
“Mosquito” marks Edgar-Jones’ return to series television after establishing herself in film, and her return to Hulu where she achieved her breakthrough. The role of Kate appears to draw on the intimate relationship drama that made “Normal People” so affecting while allowing her to explore McNamara’s particular brand of dark comedy. Fans who wished to see Marianne and Connell’s relationship continue into marriage will get a version of that fantasy, albeit in a completely different fictional universe with different characters and McNamara’s absurdist sensibility.
Like Hoult, Edgar-Jones is serving as an executive producer on “Mosquito,” indicating her significant investment in and creative influence over the project. This dual role as star and producer suggests both actors view the series as more than just another job, instead seeing it as a creative collaboration with McNamara and an opportunity to shape the show’s vision.
A Reunion of Hulu Success Stories
“Mosquito” represents a meaningful reunion for its three key creative forces, all of whom were part of groundbreaking Hulu series in 2020 that helped define the streaming platform’s identity as a home for sophisticated, character-driven programming.
McNamara created “The Great,” which premiered its first season in May 2020. The series reimagined the early life of Catherine the Great, depicting her arrival in Russia and eventual coup against her husband, Emperor Peter III. With its anachronistic dialogue, modern sensibility, and darkly comedic tone, “The Great” stood out from traditional period dramas. The show earned critical acclaim and ran for three seasons, collecting multiple Emmy nominations including Outstanding Comedy Series and acting nominations for Nicholas Hoult, Elle Fanning, and others.
“Normal People” debuted on Hulu in April 2020 (having aired earlier on BBC Three in the UK). The 12-episode limited series became an immediate sensation, praised for its sensitive adaptation of Rooney’s novel, its frank depiction of sexuality and intimacy, and the chemistry between Edgar-Jones and Mescal. The series earned multiple Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Limited Series and acting nominations for both leads. It also won a BAFTA for Best Drama Series.
Both shows were hits with viewers and critics, establishing Hulu as a destination for prestige television that could compete with premium cable networks and other streaming services. They demonstrated that the platform could nurture distinctive creative voices and deliver emotionally complex, intellectually engaging content that appealed to sophisticated audiences.
The fact that McNamara’s “The Great” earned a Best TV Series nomination in the Musical or Comedy category at the Golden Globes while both Hoult and Edgar-Jones received acting nominations for their respective shows (Hoult for “The Great” and Edgar-Jones for “Normal People”) speaks to the caliber of work all three were producing simultaneously. Now, five years later, they’re joining forces on a single project that promises to combine the best elements of their previous successes.
Disney+’s UK Ambitions and Strategic Positioning
“Mosquito” arrives as part of Disney+’s expanding UK original slate, which has become increasingly ambitious and successful. The announcement from Disney Television president Eric Schrier and Disney+ head of content for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa Angela Jain emphasized their confidence in McNamara and the strategic importance of UK productions.
“Tony is one of the most talented writers working in film and television today, with a legacy of incredible success at Disney,” Schrier and Jain said in a joint statement. “He has an unmatched ability to bring fascinating and complex stories to life weaving sharply written, intricate dialogue with signature dark-humor and complexity. Partnering with him on Mosquito is an incredible step forward for our local original content and reinforces our ambitions in the UK.”
The reference to “local original content” reflects Disney+’s strategy of commissioning high-quality productions in key international markets rather than relying solely on American content. This approach recognizes that audiences increasingly value locally produced programming that reflects their own cultures and sensibilities, while also creating content that can travel globally and appeal to international audiences.
Disney+’s UK originals slate has already delivered significant success with “Rivals,” which recently won the International Emmy for Drama Series. The show, based on Jilly Cooper’s novel and set in the world of 1980s British television, became a breakout hit and is expected to return for Season 2 in 2026. This success demonstrates that UK-produced content can achieve both critical recognition and popular appeal, validating Disney+’s investment in the region.
“Mosquito” follows this template of investing in distinctive creative voices and high-profile talent for UK productions. The series was commissioned for Disney+ by Lee Mason, executive director of scripted programming at The Walt Disney Company EMEA, indicating the high-level support behind the project.
The show will stream on Disney+ in most international markets and on Hulu in the United States, reflecting the two platforms’ complementary roles within Disney’s streaming ecosystem. This dual-platform approach maximizes potential audience reach while allowing each service to maintain its distinct brand identity—Disney+ as the global family-friendly platform with increasingly sophisticated adult content, and Hulu as the home for more mature, edgy programming in the US market.
Production Details and Timeline
“Mosquito” is produced by 20th Television (Disney’s television production studio), Piggy Ate Roast Beef Productions, and Hustle & Punch. The executive producer roster includes Tony McNamara, Nicholas Hoult, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Marian Macgowan, Tracy Underwood, and Daniel Pipski.
Tracy Underwood’s involvement is particularly notable. As the former president of ABC Signature who now works as a producer under a 20th Television overall deal, Underwood brings significant experience in shepherding high-quality television productions. Her participation suggests Disney is providing substantial resources and institutional support to ensure “Mosquito” achieves its creative potential.
Filming is scheduled to begin in 2026, though specific dates and locations have not been announced. Given the UK production base and the British nationality of both leads, it’s likely the series will shoot primarily in the United Kingdom. The 2026 start date gives McNamara time to complete scripts for all six episodes, allowing for the kind of careful preparation that ambitious limited series require.
As of the announcement, only Hoult and Edgar-Jones have been cast. The supporting cast remains to be revealed, though given the pedigree of the creative team, the series will likely attract strong British acting talent for additional roles. The six-episode order represents a manageable scope that allows for a complete, self-contained story arc rather than an open-ended series that might dilute its impact.
No release date has been announced yet, but given the 2026 filming start and typical post-production timelines, the series would likely debut in late 2026 or early 2027. The relatively compact episode count should allow for a focused production and post-production schedule.
FAQs
When will Mosquito be released?
Mosquito begins filming in 2026 with no official release date announced yet. Based on typical production timelines for a six-episode series, viewers can expect it to premiere in late 2026 or early 2027 on Disney+ internationally and Hulu in the US.
What is Mosquito about?
The series follows Kate and Ed, a recently married couple whose secrets emerge as daily life chips away at their personas—all triggered by an intrusive mosquito. It’s described as a sardonic, dark comedy exploring relationship dynamics with Tony McNamara’s signature absurdist humor.
Why is this reunion significant for the cast?
Nicholas Hoult previously starred in McNamara’s “The Great,” earning Golden Globe and Emmy nominations. Daisy Edgar-Jones starred in Hulu’s “Normal People,” also earning Emmy and BAFTA nominations. Both 2020 series were critical hits, making this their first collaboration together.
What are Nicholas Hoult’s recent projects?
Nicholas Hoult recently starred as Lex Luthor in “Superman” and Count Orlok in “Nosferatu.” He’ll next appear in “How To Rob a Bank” opposite Anna Sawai. He’s known for “Mad Max: Fury Road,” the X-Men franchise, and three seasons of “The Great.”
What has Tony McNamara written?
Tony McNamara created “The Great” for Hulu and earned two Oscar nominations for screenwriting “The Favourite” and “Poor Things” with director Yorgos Lanthimos. He also wrote “Cruella” for Disney and “The Roses” for Searchlight Pictures.
