Lazarus, the latest thriller series from acclaimed novelist and producer Harlan Coben, follows a family grappling with dark secrets and buried trauma. Set in the UK, the show blends mystery, emotion and psychological tension, continuing Coben’s tradition of gripping, twist-filled storytelling.
Speaking to HeyUGuys, Sam Claflin, who stars as the troubled lead, talked about how he was instantly hooked by the first script despite not planning to take on another project. Having previously seen Fool Me Once – from the same team – he praised Coben as “the master of twists and turns” and was drawn in by both the writing and the clear creative vision of director Wayne Che Yip. Claflin described his character as a complex man confronting suppressed past traumas, a role that resonated deeply with his own experiences. He also reflected on working with Bill Nighy, calling him a generous and inspiring collaborator, and said the project felt like “a blessing” that helped him explore his own emotions.
Coben himself, joined by executive producers Nicola Shindler and Danny Brocklehurst, discussed the making of Lazarus and their long-standing creative partnership. Coben explained that the story began, as always, with a simple “what if,” and he knew they had something special when his collaborators’ eyes lit up. The team emphasized their strong, honest working relationship and revealed that Lazarus is unique among Coben’s projects because it isn’t based on a book. Coben shared that he envisioned Bill Nighy as Dr. Lazarus from the start — a dream that came true when Nighy accepted the role almost immediately. They credited casting director Aline Maxwell for assembling the “dream cast,” including Sam Claflin and Alexandra Roach, and encouraged audiences to watch quickly to avoid spoilers while preserving the series’ many surprises.
Alexandra Roach, who plays Jenna, described her character as intuitive, spiritual, and “a bit of a hippy,” someone who channels the family’s painful history into compassion and healing. She said joining an original Harlan Coben project felt especially exciting because it was written directly for television, giving it a fresh and elevated tone. Roach noted that the production team welcomed the cast’s input on dialogue to keep the language authentic for British audiences. Speaking fondly of her co-star Sam Claflin, she praised his generosity and openness, which made portraying their sibling bond natural and emotionally layered.
Together, the cast and creators of Lazarus highlight why the series stands out among Coben’s works — a tense, emotional, and deeply human thriller that balances shocking twists with heartfelt character storytelling.
