Thomas Doherty and Emma Laird Join Butcher and Blackbird
The two actors are set to star in the upcoming Amazon MGM film adaptation of the Ruinous Love trilogy novel.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Film — General
Live Poll
Should actors use their natural accents when portraying characters written with different origins?
Thomas Doherty and Emma Laird have been cast in the lead roles of Rowan Kane and Sloane Sutherland for the film adaptation of Butcher and Blackbird. The story follows two serial killers who engage in an annual murder competition.
Why it matters
The project represents a significant development for fans of the popular Ruinous Love book trilogy. Bringing this narrative to the screen expands the reach of the original story authored by Brynne Weaver.
Actress Emma Laird is 28 years old and recently appeared in the film The Brutalist. The production is currently moving forward as an Amazon MGM studio project.
The players
Thomas Doherty
He is an actor who has been cast to portray the lead character Rowan Kane.
Emma Laird
She is a 28-year-old actress who is cast as the lead character Sloane Sutherland.
Brynne Weaver
She is the author of the Ruinous Love trilogy that serves as the source material for the film.
Amazon MGM
This studio is the production company responsible for the film adaptation of the novel.
The details
The production is based on the novel written by Brynne Weaver. While Rowan Kane is depicted as an Irishman in the source material, fans expect Thomas Doherty to adopt a Scottish accent for the role.
Timeline
Filming begins in New York and Vancouver in October 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The adaptation of the Ruinous Love trilogy marks a continuation of the trend of bringing popular contemporary fiction series to streaming platforms. This project positions Amazon MGM to compete for market share among audiences loyal to successful book franchises.
Viewers can expect the film to eventually become available through the Amazon MGM platform following the conclusion of production. The casting choice sets expectations for how the iconic characters Rowan Kane and Sloane Sutherland will be portrayed on screen.
The takeaway
This casting announcement provides the first major update on the visual direction for the highly anticipated adaptation. Readers who are fans of the source material may want to revisit the original novel to prepare for the upcoming film release.
Further reading
For more news on current productions, visit our Film — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mail Online.
Live Poll
Should actors use their natural accents when portraying characters written with different origins?
