David Tennant to star as Phileas Fogg
David Tennant will play Phileas Fogg in a major new TV adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic novel Around the World in 80 Days. The series also stars Ibrahim Koma as Passepartout and Leonie Benesch as journalist Abigail Fix.
Filming begins on the 8 x 60 in February, largely in South Africa and Romania, with Simon Crawford Collins exec producing for the UK’s Slim Film + Television, alongside Lionel Uzan and Pascal Breton for Federation in Paris.
Ashley Pharoah and Caleb Ranson have written the drama with Steve Barron in place as lead director; Charles Beeson will also direct a number of episodes.
Crawford Collins said: “We are thrilled to have such a talent as David to play this modern take on the iconic role of Phileas Fogg. Bigger than the hair-raising physical challenges of the adventure – from the scorching heat of the desert to skulduggery in Hong Kong and of course strikes in Paris – will be Fogg’s personal journey.”
Nathalie Biancolli, EVP international scripted, France Télévisions, commented; “The Alliance is proud to work alongside European talents to develop such an exceptional adventure series around this major work of literature. Created in 2018 by France Televisions (France), RAI (Italy) and ZDF (Germany), The Alliance is a strategic production laboratory for public service broadcasters.
“The European Alliance reinforces an original and diversified creative strategy that promotes cultural diversity and European talent through ambitious high-end productions, which broaden the field of TV fiction and aim at international markets."
The Alliance is currently developing seven new projects.
Around the World in 80 Days is a Slim Film + Television and Federation co-production with additional co-production partners, Palladium Pictures in South Africa, and Daro Film, associate producer.
Image: Jose Haro.
Also on The Knowledge
C5 greenlights mystery thriller The Wives
Production is underway on a new C5 thriller, The Wives, starring Jo Joyner, Angela Griffin and Tamzin Outhwaite.
Filming underway on Sky’s Lockerbie drama starring Colin Firth
Production has begun on a major new drama about the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, starring Colin Firth as Dr Jim Swire.
Studios Spotlight – Behind the scenes at Pride Media Centre
The last Studios Spotlight of 2023 shines on Pride Media Centre in Gateshead, a “safe, welcoming space for businesses and organisations from the LGBT+ community and allies, to grow, develop and be creative”.
Paramount+ drama The Road Trip films in Bristol
The Road Trip, a shiny new drama for Paramount+, is currently filming in Bristol starring Emma Appleton, Laurie Davidson and David Jonsson.
Studio operator Stage Fifty announces new partnership and plans Spanish expansion
As part of its growth plan, Stage Fifty has announced a new partnership with Universal Production Services which sees the latter become the exclusive lighting and equipment supplier for all Stage Fifty UK and European studios.
Diane Morgan films new series of Mandy
Filming is underway on the third series of Mandy, written by, directed by and starring Diane Morgan.