FOX Entertainment Global is handling the international distribution rights on a new adaptation of the Henry James novel The Portrait of a Lady, set to air on PBS Masterpiece in the U.S. and BBC One in the U.K.
The new six-episode limited series is being produced by Number 9 Films TV in association with Beta Film. Rebecca Lenkiewicz leads the adaptation, which will be directed by Aisling Walsh. The cast includes Nell Tiger Free, Gemma Arterton, Jim Sturgess, Bill Nighy, and Miranda Richardson.
“Our collaboration with the BBC, Masterpiece and Number 9 Films TV on The Portrait of a Lady brings together an extraordinary creative team and world-class cast to reimagine one of literature’s most enduring stories for a global audience,” said Prentiss Fraser, president of FOX Entertainment Global. “It reflects the kind of exceptional premium storytelling we’re building across FOX’s growing portfolio and reinforces our focus on partnering with the industry’s most talented creative voices.”
Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen of Number 9 Films TV said, “We are so pleased to be finally making this Henry James classic, which was far ahead of its time, with our friends at Masterpiece and the BBC. It’s wonderful to be reunited with Rebecca Lenkiewicz who we worked closely with on Colette and The Salt Path and to work with Aisling Walsh, whom we’ve admired from afar for many years. It’s also wonderful that we can reunite with some of the actors that we know so well from our movies in our first TV show; Bill Nighy, Gemma Arterton, and Miranda Richardson. We’re excited to see Nell Tiger Free in the iconic role of Isabel Archer and Jim Sturgess in the equally iconic role of Gilbert Osmond. We find it astonishing that James’ prescient story has not been made for television for nearly 60 years, but like all great things, it will definitely be worth the wait.”
Susanne Simpson, head of scripted content and EP for Masterpiece, added, “The caliber of talent behind this series is exceptional. It is a special pleasure to be working with Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen, who are remarkable award-winning filmmakers, and with writer Rebecca Lenkiewicz, whose scripts are as beautiful as they are insightful. Director Aisling Walsh has brought together a stellar cast led by Nell Tiger Free, Gemma Arterton, and Jim Sturgess. They will all bring the nuance and beauty of Henry James’ story to the screen in an unforgettable piece of television.”
Sue Deeks, head of scripted pre-buy acquisitions at the BBC, added: “We are so delighted to be involved in what I have no doubt, given the outstanding talent involved, will be a truly exceptional production of Henry James’ masterpiece.”
Filming has begun and will take place across the UK, Hungary and Croatia. See cast images below.
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