Netflix viewers of Thursday Murder Club were left fuming after the streamer’s latest adaptation made a dramatic change to a key character from Richard Osman’s beloved book series.
Released on August 26 and directed by Chris Columbus, the film drew eager fans who were disappointed by how the story diverged from the books—particularly the fate of Bogdan, the Polish handyman.
Bogdan’s Storyline Cuts Leave Fans Distraught
In Osman’s novels, Bogdan plays a central role across the series, but the film alters his arc drastically.
Played on screen by Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Bogdan’s storyline is rewritten so that he kills Tony Curran, co-owner of the Coopers Chase retirement home, in self-defense—a major departure from the book.
On Reddit, fans demanded “justice for Bogdan,” criticizing the decision to remove his more complex motives and relationships from the story.
How the Book Portrays Bogdan
In the books, Bogdan kills Tony to avenge the death of his friend Kaz, who was murdered years earlier due to Tony’s shady dealings.
The novel also reveals that Tony had hired a hitman to carry out Kaz’s murder.
Over time, Bogdan’s careful planning leads him to eliminate Tony while protecting his own secrets, and his character develops close bonds with the retirees and even a romantic connection with police officer Donna De Freitas.
Changes Made in the Film Adaptation
The movie simplifies Bogdan’s actions, showing him acting purely out of self-defense after being exploited as an undocumented worker by Tony and Bobby Tanner, who lured immigrants into forced labor.
While retired spy Elizabeth’s husband Stephen still deduces the killer’s identity, the film adds tension by showing Elizabeth worried Bogdan might poison her husband.
Bogdan ultimately confesses to Stephen and is arrested, which effectively shuts the door on his involvement in potential sequels.
Fans React Online
Reddit users reacted with frustration, describing the movie’s ending as a betrayal of Bogdan’s character.
Many noted that the adaptation “literally added nothing” to his arc and removed the nuance that made him so beloved.
Comments highlighted the loss of his future relationships and storylines, particularly his romance with Donna and friendship with Stephen, and some fans even said they would skip any sequels because of the “unforgivable” changes.
Debate Over Film Decisions
Some viewers speculated that the filmmakers might have altered Bogdan’s role to give Ron’s son, Jason Ritchie (played by Tom Ellis), a bigger part in sequels.
Others suggested there could still be a way to redeem Bogdan in future films, citing hints in the story that his actions could be seen as self-defense.
However, many felt the movie’s decision severely limits how the character could appear in subsequent installments.
The Challenge of Adapting a Beloved Series
Fans argue that compressing Osman’s 600-page book into a two-hour film cannot justify eliminating key aspects of Bogdan’s character.
His charm, complexity, and relationships form the heart of the series, and many feel the film “doesn’t understand the essence” of the Thursday Murder Club.
The backlash underscores how vital faithful character portrayals are when adapting a beloved literary world for the screen.