'TOM JONES' EPIC SERIES
ITV TAKING US TO 18TH CENTURY
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| It could be ITV's new period set saga |
Massive news coming from ITV today! They will join
Mammoth Screen, who is doing
Victoria, Poldark and
Vanity Fair, in adapting classic novel
TOM JONES into a new period set series! The raunchy 1749 novel from
Henry Fielding follows often very scandalous and bawdy sexual exploits and merry adventures of the young and good hearted 18th century foundling Tom Jones in a story full of twists and surprises. As 'Radio Times' reports, the project hasn't been officially greenlit yet, but it is expected to start shooting next year. Screenwriter
Gwyneth Hughes who is penning the project thinks the story is ideal for current atmosphere as Tom never sleeps with women who don't want him and is always a perfect gentleman! According to rumours, the studio is negotiating with a big star to take the lead role!
TOM HOLLANDER TO LEAD
'HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME' EPIC TELEVISION SERIES? Speaking of ITV, a few months ago the spy informed you that they are also preparing historical series on
THE HUNCH BACK OF NOTRE DAME and
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| Tom Hollander is also producing the potential series |
now they're hired
Dr Thorne and
Taboo's
Tom Hollander in the titular role! He is also producing the adaptation of
Victor Hugo's classic with
War and Peace Andrew Davies penning the script. In the series set in 1482 and following the love between hunchback Quasimodo, the Cathedral�s half blind and deaf bell-ringer, and a beautiful woman called Esmerelda, Hollander would play the Hunchback himself. They are currently seeking for foreign production partners.
'MERMAID & MRS HANCOCK'
TO BE TURNED INTO TV SERIES BY WHITE QUEEN PRODUCERS
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| The writer got a six digit advance for this one! |
Another epic series we can expect is the adaptation of
Imogen Hermes Gowar's
THE MERMAID AND MRS HANCOCK. Playground Entertainment (
Wolf Hall, White Queen) has bought the rights on the 1785 London set novel which follows Jonah Hancock, a prosperous merchant and widower, whose Captain returns having sold Hancock�s ship and cargo in exchange for an extraordinary creature; a mermaid. This mermaid becomes the subject of great curiosity and forges an encounter between Hancock and the desirable courtesan, Angelica Neal. The story describes their intertwined lives. This historical fantasy was sold earlier this year in a race between ten publishing houses for a six number sum.
