A new television series is in the works, based on the critically acclaimed queer novel, Young Mungo. The series is set to be produced by A24, the company behind the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once and Euphoria. The novel’s author, Douglas Stuart, will adapt the story for television.
Young Mungo is a story of star-crossed love between two young, working-class teenagers living in rural Glasgow. Mungo, a Protestant, and James, a Catholic, find themselves falling in love in a world that simply does not accept their queer affection. Mungo struggles with the toxic masculinity ingrained in his community, particularly in his brutish older brother and local gang leader, Hamish. His relationship with his mother and sister is also strained and complex.
Mungo finds solace in his friendship with James, who looks after racing pigeons in his dovecot. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that being gay is not an option in their hyper-masculine world, especially between a Protestant and a Catholic.
The novel has received critical acclaim since its publication in April 2022 and has been named book of the year by multiple publications, including The Washington Post, Time, Reader’s Digest, The Telegraph, and Vanity Fair. Stuart’s previous novel, Shuggie Bain, has also received widespread acclaim and is already being adapted into a BBC production.
While it is not yet known when or on what network the Young Mungo adaptation will air, the paperback edition of the novel is set to be released next month. A24 is known for its boundary-pushing content, including the controversial upcoming series, The Idol, and the Oscar-winning film, Moonlight.
The adaptation of Young Mungo is sure to captivate audiences with its poignant portrayal of queer love in a world where it is not accepted.