The Dream Lands: Release date, plot, Book Details, & all we know About Rosa Rankin-Gee’s Novel Adaptation

The BBC’s upcoming series The Dream Lands promises to captivate audiences with its blend of romance, rebellion, and social commentary. 

Based on Rosa Rankin-Gee's acclaimed novel Dreamland, this drama is set in a dystopian 2039 Margate, where climate change and political corruption have ravaged society. With BAFTA-winning writer Kayleigh Llewellyn adapting Rankin-Gee’s haunting story, The Dream Lands explores love, resilience, and survival amidst adversity.

Excitingly, the series is produced by SISTER, and was recently commissioned by the BBC, fueling anticipation for what’s expected to be a compelling narrative. Casting details are still under wraps, but with Llewellyn and SISTER at the helm, fans can look forward to a gripping, character-driven story.

In this article, we’ll uncover everything we know so far, from production updates to casting hints and plot insights. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest news on this must-watch series, with updates as soon as new details emerge!

Release date & Where to Watch

The Dream Lands is a six-part series set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, anticipated for release in 2025. We’ll update this page as soon as an official release date is confirmed.

Plot

The Dream Lands takes us to Margate in 2039, where rising sea levels, extreme temperatures, and a grim political landscape have left society fractured. In this future, inequality is pervasive, and Chance, a young woman from a struggling coastal community, has turned to crime for survival. 

When her town is selected for a government-led "regeneration scheme," it offers a glimpse of hope, promising to revitalize Margate. But as Chance meets and falls in love with Franky, a girl with close ties to the establishment, she begins to suspect that the scheme may have a darker agenda.

This drama explores love, resilience, and self-discovery amid the harsh realities of climate change and social injustice. With elements of romance, suspense, and a community's fight against oppressive forces, The Dream Lands is an intense mix of conspiracy thriller and relationship drama. 

Who is in The Dream Lands?

The cast for The Dream Lands hasn't been announced yet, but we're eagerly waiting to see who will take on the role of Chance and the other key characters. As soon as we have casting news, we’ll update you right here!

Is There a Trailer for The Dream Lands?

No, but if the BBC releases a trailer for The Dream Lands closer to its premiere date, we’ll be sure to include it here.

What is Dreamland, the Novel Behind The Dream Lands Series?

BBC One’s drama The Dream Lands is adapted from Rosa Rankin-Gee’s 2021 novel Dreamland. Set in a futuristic Margate, the story draws inspiration from the town’s amusement park, giving the series its name. Rosa, whose debut novel The Last Kings of Sark won the Paris Literary Prize in 2011, crafted Dreamland as her second novel to explore a heartfelt love story between two young women. 

She aims to highlight the profound emotional connections while addressing the stark realities of British society, including the impact of political leadership and the class system. Rosa’s commitment to socially realistic storytelling is influenced by her background, with her mother Maggie Gee also being a celebrated author known for The Red Children and The Ice People.

Behind the Scenes

The Dream Lands has been developed by SISTER (This is Going to Hurt, Gangs of London) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. This highly anticipated adaptation was commissioned by BBC Drama Director Lindsay Salt and adapted from Rosa Rankin-Gee's novel Dreamland by Kayleigh Llewellyn, the creator of In My Skin and Killing Eve. 

Llewellyn, who is also an executive producer, expressed excitement about bringing this story to life alongside a team she admires, including her longtime collaborator Lucy Forbes.

The series is executive produced by Naomi de Pear (The Power), Holly Pullinger (Eric), Kayleigh Llewellyn, Lucy Forbes, and Rosa Rankin-Gee, with Rebecca Ferguson representing the BBC. The project was developed under the guidance of Alice Tyler, Director of Development at SISTER.

Executive producers Naomi de Pear and Holly Pullinger described the story as a "thrilling, life-affirming" tale of resilience, capturing the spirit of characters who defy adversity. BBC Drama Director Lindsay Salt praised the series' protagonist, Chance, for being raw, loyal, and resilient, and she expressed excitement about the collaborative talent driving the adaptation.