David Tennant Set to Star in Series Adaptation of AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
David Tennant (Doctor Who, Broadchurch, Jessica Jones) is set to star in Around the World in 80 Days as explorer Phileas Fogg in an 8-part TV adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic novel of the same name. Fogg’s valet, Passepartout, with whom he attempts the 80-day world travel, will be played by French actor Ibrahim Koma, with The Crown’s Leonie Benesch playing aspiring journalist Abigail Fix.
Steve Barron (The Durrells) is directing primarily, with Charles Beeson (The Mentalist) also on board for a few episodes. Tennant is such a great actor, and this is an incredibly fun story for him to play with. I can’t wait to check it out.
Producer Crawford Collins said in a statement:
“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. I’m excited that viewers will also have the pleasure of watching the extraordinary talents of Leonie and Ibrahim in the roles of Fix and Passepartout, as they travel around the world. The series is full of adrenaline, heart and of course lots of fun, thanks to Ashley and our talented writing team. Viewers are in for something really special.”
Producer Pascal Breton added:
“Jules Verne’s most well-known and well-loved novel is coming to life again thanks to a brilliant trio of European actors, led by the great David Tennant. Having such an incredible cast obviously has us thrilled to produce and distribute, with our partner Slim, the first major family series presented by the Alliance of top European broadcasters.”
Is this a story you’re interested in seeing adapted again?
via: Deadline