Is ‘Run Away’ based on a true story? How a real-life moment inspired one of Harlan Coben’s greatest thrillers
Netflix's upcoming thriller series, 'Run Away,' is grabbing major headlines thanks to its strong emotional core and gripping plot. Based on the novel of the same name by Harlan Coben, the mystery thriller is slated for a Friday, January 1 release. For the unversed, 'Run Away' follows a father, Simon Greene (James Nesbitt), whose perfect life turns upside down after the sudden disappearance of his daughter, Paige (Ellie de Lange), setting off a chain of revelations that expose deeply buried secrets. While the premise may feel like a classic crime novel on the surface, the story is actually inspired by real-life incidents.
For those wondering, yes, 'Run Away' is based on a true story. Coben revealed that it was inspired by a deeply personal moment involving his daughter. Contrary to the saying that life imitates art, Coben explained that for him, art often imitates life, as per The Sun. He shared, "I found some drug paraphernalia in her room," adding with humor, "She was a teenager. She swears it was a friend's pipe, not hers! And of course, my mind spiraled, which is what it does." That fear and imagination became the foundation of the series, with Coben admitting, "That was the seed that started this show. So I thank my daughter for misbehaving a little bit."
Beyond being the inspiration, his daughter Charlotte also plays a hands-on role in 'Run Away' as an associate producer, making the project a true family affair. Speaking about how he channels his anxieties into storytelling, Coben joked about using his audience as emotional support, saying, "I don't worry about my kids at all; I pass it along to you! You guys are sort of my therapists. I pass on; I take all my fears and channel them this way. And in life I'm actually a fairly okay guy."
Notably, in 'Run Away,' Nesbitt plays the character of a devastated father searching for his runaway daughter, while Ruth Jones, best known for 'Gavin & Stacey,' appears as private investigator Elena Ravenscroft, who takes on the case. 'Run Away' is produced by Quay Street Productions and created by Coben alongside his longtime writing partner, Danny Brocklehurst, and producer Nicola Shindler, as per Deadline.
The series features a large ensemble cast including Lucian Msamati, Jon Pointing, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Annette Badland, Maeve Courtier-Lilley, Ellie de Lange, Adrian Greensmith, Ellie Henry, Ingrid Oliver, Finty Williams, Joe McGann, and Amy Gledhill. Coben also serves as executive producer alongside Shindler, lead writer Brocklehurst, Richard Fee, and Nimer Rashed.
