Renegade Nell is a Disney+ Original series starring Louisa Harland, Bo Bragason, and Florence Keen. The show’s creator is Sally Wainwright, the BAFTA-winning screenwriter of Happy Valley.
Set in the 18th-century British countryside, Renegade Nell brings an exciting mix of history, fantasy, and adventure to your screen. While the show is mostly fictional, truths are drawn from its set historical period of the 18th – century.
The creation of the storyline of ‘Renegade Nell.‘
Sally Wainwright is known for creating stories with strong, complex female leads and richly detailed settings.
Renegade Nell is no different.
It follows the life of Nell Jackson, played by Louisa Harland, a woman who turns to a life of crime after being wrongfully accused of murder.
The character of Nell Jackson taps into a long-standing fascination with outlaws and rebels, particularly in British culture.
Nell is a female highwaywoman navigating a world where women have few rights and fewer opportunities for autonomy.
In her attempt to outwit authorities, she gets a helping hand from a mystical fairylike spirit called Billy Blind, played by Nick Mohammed.
Billy Blind appears whenever Nell’s in danger, giving her strength to fight out of the situation.
Blending history and fiction
The introduction of the concept of highwaymen can be attributed to the existence of the highwayman tradition in early British society.
Highwaymen were not only feared but also honoured equally as they lived outside the law and stole from the rich.
Historically, female outlaws such as Mary Frith and Moll Cutpurse existed. Mary Frith, who lived in the 17th century, was a known thief who defied societal norms.
Although the character Nell is not based on Frith’s life, a historical precedent is drawn between the two women.
In an interview, Nick Mohammed reveals that British folklore inspired the magical character Billy Blind.
Billy is based on the 1700s folklore of an imp that existed beneath a little girl’s pillow to protect her from danger.
The show depicts the reign of Queen Anne, a monarch who ruled Great Britain from 1665 to 1714, and Rasselas’ story ( played by Enyi Okoronkwo) briefly explores Britain’s history of slavery in West Africa.
Fusing history and fiction in the show taps into the trend that most television shows are adapting to capture their audience.
Shows like Outlander and A Discovery of Witches blend historical settings with speculative fiction, keeping us all glued to our screens.
Significance of Renegade Nell in today’s society
Everybody loves a good story about underdogs winning, rebellion, and antiheroes. This series conveniently captures all these themes and drives a strong point of feminism that defies societal rules.
Furthermore, Nell’s journey from an ordinary woman to a rebel with a cause resonates with viewers seeking stories of empowerment and resilience.
Even so, the show provides a channel to escape everyday life while reflecting on modern-day issues of gender, power, and justice.
Despite Nell Jackson’s tale being mostly fictional, it remains rooted in the rich tradition of storytelling that celebrates rebels, misfits, and those who dare to go against societal patterns.
The show’s combination of folklore, feminist history, and fantasy gives it a timeless feel that captures the modern audience.
Catch the show’s episodes on Disney+ and get ready to dive into this world of fantasy and historical fusion.