Will Forte ‘On Record’ Netflix Series FKA Bodkin: Everything We Know So Far

After our May 2022 reporting, Netflix confirmed that On Record (previously known as Bodkin) is now a live series. With the lid now lifted on Higher Ground Productions’ new series and some of the cast announced, here’s everything we know so far about Netflix’s On Record.

As mentioned, we first reported on the series back on May 25th where we gave a broad outline of who’s involved with the project and what it is about.

Before we get dug in, it’s worth noting that the title of the series is subject to change and On Record is just a working title for now.

Here’s what the series is about:

“BODKIN [On Record] is a darkly comedic thriller about a motely crew of pdcasters who set out to investigate the mysterious disappearance of three strangers in an idyllic, coastal irish town. But once they start pulling threads, they discover a story much bigger and weirder than they could have ever imagined. As our heroes try to discern fact from fiction – about the case, about their colleagues, and, most painfully, themselves – the series challenges our perception of truth and exposes the stories we tell ourselves to justify our beliefs or validate our fears.”

Who’s behind On Record on Netflix?

Jez Scharf will serve as the lead writer for the series and also be involved as showrunner alongside Alex Metcalf.

Scharf is perhaps best known for his writing on shorts including Mister Biscuits and The Undream.

Metcalf has been involved in a slew of high-profile projects including serving as executive producer on The Loudest Voice and HBO’s Sharp Objects. He also served as co-producer on Kingdom which came to Netflix globally after being licensed for a fixed period of time (it was licensed until May 2021.)

Pictured: Alex Metcalf and Tonia Davis

Tonia Davis from Higher Ground Productions serves as executive producer who was involved with Higher Ground’s Netflix output including We The People, Waffles + Mochi, and the yet-to-be-released Rustin movie.

As mentioned, the Obama’s production outfit Higher Ground Productions is working on the project. They’ve got a suite of upcoming projects but this marks their first major drama series for Netflix.

Wiip and Wild Atlantic Pictures are attached to the project as production companies.

Who’s starring in Netflix’s On Record series?

Pictured: Will Forte, Siobhan Cullen, Robyn Cara, David Wilmot and Chris Walley

We also received word about the five initial casting additions to the project, in addition to the June 17th announcement that was reported first by The Hollywood Reporter.

Will Forte (best known for MacGruber and The Last Man on Earth) will play Gilbert Power described as an “American podcaster on the hunt for his next big story. Originally from Chicago, Gilbert’s family emigrated from Cork, and is hoping to discover his Irish roots.”

Siobhan Cullen, best known for The Dry, is currently in professional crisis. Her character is described as “A hard-nosed investigative journalist with a fine-tuned bullshit detector and a healthy disdain for authority and hypocrisy.”

Robyn Cara (best known for playing Kayla in Ackley Bridge) will play Emmy, the researcher on Gilbert’s podcast project responsible for making sure things run smoothly. Emmy, however, is having trouble finding her voice.

David Wilmot, best known for Anna Karenina, and Lies We Tell, the HBO Max series on HBO Max, will portray Seamus Gallagher. He is a man who has the ability to turn on the charm when it suits his needs but can also snap into violent outbursts when he feels threatened.

Finally, we have Chris Walley (best known for The Last Voyage of the Demeter) playing the role of Sean O’Shea, described as a local from the village of Bodkin and a typical Irish country lad. Also, he is involved in some very shady activities.

Are you looking for On Record/Bodkin productions?

According to multiple production listings seen by What’s on Netflix, the project is due to get underway on June 27th and film in both Dublin and West Cork in Ireland.

West Cork, for those who don’t know, is a remote part of Ireland often referred to as one of the last bastions of “old Ireland”.

Southern Star Ireland reported on June 14th that an open casting process was taking place for this production. The producers also mention that filming for seven-part contemporary drama will occur in Union Hall as well as Glandore.

The production will continue throughout the remainder of the summer, and it should end sometime between September 2022 and November 2022.

West Cork Ireland – Picture: Ireland.com

Do you look forward to On Record/Bodkin being available on Netflix? Comment below to let us know your thoughts.