‘A Matter of Time’ Netflix Movie: Toby Jones, Anne Reid, Tanya Franks, & Nish Kumar Join Cast As Filming Continues

Credit: GoffPhotos.com

Production is well underway on A Matter of Time, Netflix’s upcoming supernatural romantic comedy starring Ben Stiller, Nicholas Galitzine, and Bella Maclean. We’ve got fresh details from the various London sets, plus a wave of exciting new casting news including the additions of Toby Jones, Emma Sidi, Amy Wren, and more.

First announced at the Netflix Upfronts presentation in May 2026, A Matter of Time comes to the streamer via a specialized first-look partnership with Sony Pictures. With cameras rolling throughout the summer, here is a comprehensive breakdown of the newcomers, the latest updates from the set, and everything else you need to know.

Who is in the cast of A Matter of Time?

As confirmed during the initial Upfronts presentation, the film is being led by a stellar trio:

• Ben Stiller (Severance, Meet the Parents)
• Nicholas Galitzine (The Idea of You, Red, White & Royal Blue)
• Bella Maclean (Sex Education)

Thanks to recent set sightings and exclusive reports, the ensemble has grown significantly.

Digital Spy recently confirmed that acting legend Toby Jones (The Wonder, Detectorists) has joined the movie. He was spotted filming in Notting Hill wearing a striking white suit alongside Stiller and Galitzine, sparking speculation that he might be playing an angelic figure.

Additionally, we exclusively confirmed three more UK talents for the film back in early July:

• Emma Sidi (Starstruck, Ghosts)
• Amy Wren (The Last Kingdom, Viewpoint)
• Cecily Cleeve (The Marvels, Widow Clicquot)

More recently, a new wave of actors was spotted filming scenes at a canal by Primrose Hill. We can confirm that Tanya Franks (EastEnders, Pulling) and comedian Nish Kumar (The Mash Report) have joined the project. Furthermore, Anne Reid (The Sixth Commandment, Last Tango in Halifax) was seen on set, and we believe young actor Arthur Janes can be seen as well.

(Note: IMDb also lists Simon Christo and Liam Edwards in uncredited roles as a grandfather and photographer, respectively.)

First Look: Filming Updates from London Sets

The movie has been utilizing multiple locations across London this summer, giving us some great insight into the film’s tone and emotional beats:

• Clerkenwell: Early in production, Stiller, Galitzine, and Maclean were spotted shooting scenes around a local pub and a church marked as “Saint Peter’s Community Centre.” Set photos revealed Stiller looking sharp in a tailored blue suit, while Galitzine kept things smart-casual in a blue button-down and a brown corduroy jacket. Young actress Cecily Cleeve was also seen in a maroon school uniform holding a grey stuffed animal amidst a frantic sequence.
• Camden: The crew filmed a dramatic scene involving a crash between a car and a London bus. According to a letter sent to Camden residents, this heavy sequence involving Stiller and Galitzine’s characters serves as the story’s “emotional climax”.
• Primrose Hill: Most recently, the crew set up a beautiful Christmas-themed restaurant barge on the canal. Filming scenes aboard the barge was Bella Maclean, who was seen with a young baby strapped to her chest alongside newcomers Franks, Kumar, Reid, and Janes.

What is A Matter of Time about?

In case you need a refresher on the plot, A Matter of Time blends elements of high-concept fantasy, dramedy, and romance. Here is the official logline for the upcoming film:

“An unlikely angel is sent from heaven to convince a reclusive man to give up his life for the greater good. The man agrees, only for his impending death to trigger a new lease on life, and a romance that threatens to change the course of history.”

Who is behind the movie?

Directing the feature is Harry Bradbeer, a staple of the Netflix family who directed the first two Enola Holmes movies, as well as being globally celebrated for his Emmy-winning work on Fleabag.

The script was penned by an all-star writing team that includes Justin Haythe (Revolutionary Road), Madeleine George (Only Murders in the Building), Peter Byrne, and Academy Award winner Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire). Producing the feature are Debra Hayward (Bridget Jones’s Baby) and Laurence “Larry” Mark (The Greatest Showman), alongside Sony Pictures. Michael Dreyer (The Two Popes) serves as Executive Producer. Rounding out the behind-the-scenes team, we have Melanie Oliver (Les Misérables) attached as the editor, with Orla Maxwell handling casting.

Are you excited for A Matter of Time to hit Netflix? Let us know in the comments down below!