**Call the Midwife Film and Prequel Series Announced**
In an exciting development, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has officially announced plans for a film and a prequel series based on the beloved medical drama, *Call the Midwife*. This dual project aims to explore new narratives while expanding the existing storyline that has captivated audiences since its premiere.
The announcement comes at a time when the production team is gearing up for the 15th series of *Call the Midwife*, a show set in London’s East End that captures the lives of nurse midwives from the late 1950s into the early 1970s. Both the film and the prequel series will bring fresh dimensions to this cherished historical narrative.
**Upcoming Projects and Timelines**
The film adaptation will be set in 1972, taking the audience to an undisclosed overseas location. Promising to include familiar characters from the existing television series, it aims to retain the emotional weight that fans have come to expect from the show. Meanwhile, the prequel series promises to delve deep into the past, focusing on life in Poplar, East London during the harrowing times of the Blitz in World War II. Showrunner Heidi Thomas conveyed her excitement, stating that the prequel will provide a nuanced view of this era, rich with themes of loss, camaraderie, bravery, and unexpected joy.
**Creative Team Behind the Projects**
Both the film and prequel series are set to be produced by a powerful creative team led by Thomas alongside executive producers Dame Pippa Harris and Ann Tricklebank. This team will also take charge of the upcoming 16th series of the main program. Thomas expressed her desire to explore narratives beyond the years previously covered, stating, “While I have never run out of stories for our midwives, I have yearned to delve into the deeper past.” This sentiment underscores the creative depth and breadth that Thomas offers as a showrunner.
**Character Continuity and Historical Significance**
The prequel series will feature younger versions of some familiar characters, providing fans with a fascinating glimpse into their early lives amid wartime challenges. Thomas reflected on the extraordinary nature of the Blitz years, emphasizing the profound experiences that shaped the community and the resilience shown during such difficult times.
Conversely, the film is poised to take the well-loved characters out of their familiar surroundings in Poplar, challenging them to navigate an unfamiliar landscape. The secrecy surrounding the film’s location hints at an intriguing adventure for both characters and viewers alike. As Ms. Thomas assured, the visuals are expected to be spectacular, enhancing the cinematic experience for audiences.
**Connection to the Original Series**
Fans of *Call the Midwife* might recall that the series was previously inspired by the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, a midwife who chronicled her experiences within the Poplar community. With the new projects, there’s a shared hope to engage a younger audience who may not be familiar with the show’s extensive history but have grown fascinated by its characters and narratives. Dame Pippa Harris emphasized this intention, stating that both the prequel and film aim to resonate with this new generation of viewers, thereby expanding the show’s legacy.
**Expectations for the Upcoming Series**
The 15th series will kick off with a poignant two-part Christmas special that involves characters embarking on a mercy mission to Hong Kong, setting the tone for their ongoing evolution. It promises to reinforce the series’ enduring themes of compassion and service, rich emotional storytelling, and vital historical context.
The future looks bright for *Call the Midwife* as it gears up for these new avenues of storytelling, from its rich past and dramatic wartime challenges to its present-day narratives. With both newcomers and fans of the original show eagerly awaiting these additions, this could mark a transformative period for the series.