Charlotte Regan Discusses Creating ‘Mint’: A Heartfelt Crime-Romance with Emma Laird, Loyle Carner, and a Hint of Magic
New BBC Drama Mint Explores Love and Rivalry in a Scottish Crime Family
Writer-director Charlotte Regan’s upcoming BBC drama Mint takes an innovative approach to the crime genre, intertwining elements of romance and family drama. The series follows Shannon (Emma Laird) and Aaron (Ben Coyle Larner), young lovers caught between rival crime families. Featuring striking visual scenes, including Shannon levitating and slow-motion confrontations, Mint is poised to offer a unique narrative experience.
Produced by Jolyon Symonds’ Fearless Minds in collaboration with House Productions, Mint also stars Laura Fraser, Lindsay Duncan, Sam Riley, and Lewis Gribben. The series recently made its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival and is set to debut on BBC later this year. It will be showcased to international buyers at the upcoming BBC Studios annual Showcase event.
In an interview, Regan described her fascination with gangster films, acknowledging her initial plan to develop a conventional crime drama. However, she pivoted to incorporate romance, stating, "I’m really obsessed with gangster films, but knew that I didn’t have the money or the experience to make a sensational shootout film, so I was like: ‘Damn, I’ll have to do a romance.’”
She further elaborated on her vision, blending action with sweeping romance and elements of magical realism, highlighting her desire for the film to feel visual and audience-centric. "I love cinema and TV that feels like it’s been made with an audience in mind," she said, reflecting on her background in music videos, which often allow for expressive visual storytelling.
Regan’s previous work in Scrapper, a film that balanced serious themes with a joyful tone, influences her approach to Mint. "I want there to be depth and I want there to be emotion, but I want what I make to be enjoyable," she remarked. This philosophy was also evident in her character development, focused on creating relatable working-class narratives.
When discussing casting decisions, Regan spoke highly of Ben Coyle Larner, who is making his acting debut. She first noticed him at live performances and was struck by his natural emotional access, saying, "He’s so creative and he helped me with a lot of ideas." During the shoot, she noted that he contributed positively to the set environment.
The transition from indie filmmaking to a larger series format was seamless for Regan. “It honestly felt the same as making a film," she commented, while acknowledging a slight increase in resources that enhanced the production quality, including the ability to depict fantastical elements.
Set against the backdrop of Scotland, Regan believed that the setting enhanced the storytelling. She explained that a Scottish context allowed for a unique portrayal of familial celebrity within a smaller community, which might not translate as effectively in a city like London.
Emma Laird’s portrayal of Shannon was another focal point. Regan highlighted Laird’s depth as an actress, noting, “We wanted Shannon to be quite bratty and unlikable in some ways… She’s almost been locked away from the world.” This aspect of the character underpins Shannon’s interactions and growth throughout the series.
As the series awaits its audience response, Regan expressed her nervousness, acknowledging, "You can try and tell your story for what it is, but then really it’s up to the audience." She is currently working on new material and hopes to explore imaginative themes, including a potential film about aliens.
Charlotte Regan on the set of Mint
A scene from Mint
Ben Coyle-Larner as Aaron
