Eddie Marsan To Topline ‘Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell’ For BBC One/BBC America
BBC One/BBC America co-production Jonathan Strange And Mr Norrell starts shooting next week with Ray Donovan‘s Eddie Marsan and Olivier award-winning Bertie Carvel (Matilda) starring in the lead roles. Based on the bestselling novel by Susanna Clarke, the seven-part series has been adapted by Wallander‘s Peter Harness. It’s an alternate history of England set during the Napoleonic Wars when reclusive Mr Norrell (Marsan) is persuaded to help the government with his magical prowess. At the same time, the charming and wealthy Strange (Carvel) learns he too is destined to be a great magician. The story centers on the relationship between the two men. New Line optioned the movie rights back in 2005 with Christopher Hampton adapting, but the film was never made.
Also joining the drama’s cast are Alice Englert (Ginger & Rosa), Marc Warren (The Good Wife), Samuel West (Mr Selfridge), Charlotte Riley (Wuthering Heights), Enzo Cilenti (Prisoners Wives) and Paul Kaye (Game Of Thrones). Toby Haynes, whose credits include Doctor Who and Sherlock, is directing. Producer is Nick Hirschkorn. There’s currently no airdate, but the series will feature as part of BBC America’s Supernatural Saturday. Endemol Worldwide has international distribution. Marsan is repped by the UK’s Markham, Froggatt and Irwin and by Paradigm; Carvel is repped by Hamilton Hodell in the UK and by ICM Partners.
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