Molly Manny Walker, acclaimed for her debut film “How to Have Sex,” is now making her mark on television with her upcoming drama series, “Major Players.” The series, commissioned by Channel 4 and produced by A24, is a collaboration between Walker and co-writer Yasmin Joseph.
“Major Players” follows the story of two young girls on the cusp of adulthood as they embark on a mission to start a women’s soccer team. Drawing inspiration from Walker’s own high school experiences, where the chaos of crowd control took precedence over education, the series is described as a “love letter to football” and a humorous exploration of youth in contemporary London, touching on themes of friendship and gender politics.
In addition to her work in film and television, Walker is also the co-founder of Babe City FC, a London-based soccer team for women and non-binary individuals in the film industry. With over 180 members, the club aims to create a supportive community for those passionate about both film and football.
Expressing her excitement for the upcoming series, Walker stated, “I can’t wait to bring ‘Major Players’ to life with this amazing team. It is a coming-of-age story, filled with first love, grief, and bicycle kicks set in your local cage. I’m thrilled to shed light on women’s football, a sport that I am a huge fan and supporter of.”
Walker’s previous work, “How to Have Sex,” received critical acclaim, winning the Un Certain Regard award at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and the European Discovery – Prix FIPRESCI at the European Film Awards. The film also garnered two BAFTA nominations for Outstanding British Film and Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer. Walker recently served as the jury head for Un Certain Regard at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
Ollie Madden, director of Film4 and Channel 4 drama, praised Walker’s talent, stating, “Molly is one of the most exciting new voices in U.K. filmmaking, and we are thrilled to continue our collaboration with her on ‘Major Players,’ alongside Yasmin Joseph and our partners at A24. With its blend of wit, heart, and fearless energy, the series embodies the fresh storytelling we champion at Film4 and Channel 4 Drama.”
Details regarding casting for “Major Players” will be announced in the near future, as the series gears up for production. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project from Molly Manny Walker.
