Neil Patrick Harris Cast as Count Olaf in Netflix's A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS
Netflix's TV adaptation of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events has found its Count Olaf. THR reports that Neil Patrick Harris has been cast in the role of the evil uncle who has his sights set on his nieces and nephew's family fortune, and who often utilizes absurd disguises. Jim Carrey played Olaf in the 2004 movie, which Paramount hoped would start a franchise but ultimately failed to be the success they dreamed of. Paramount Television is producing this TV show, which is set to be executive produced (and at least partially directed) by Men in Black director Barry Sonnenfeld.
The bad news is that as Harris boards the show, its showrunner has bailed. Former True Blood showrunner Mark Hudis was tapped to lead the series a few months ago, but he's now left the project and the show is seeking new leadership.
What do you think about Harris as the new Olaf? Carrey certainly made a memorable impression as the nefarious character, but I think Harris is theatrical enough to be able to put his own spin on him. There's no official release date set for A Series of Unfortunate Events yet, but we'll keep you up to date as soon as we hear anything worth mentioning.
A Series of Unfortunate Events recounts the tale of the orphaned children Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire at the hands of the villainous Count Olaf, as they face trials and tribulations, misfortunes, and an evil uncle in search of their fortune, all in their quest to uncover the secret of their parents’ death. The books have sold more than 65 million copies and have been translated into 43 languages. The epic series will be executive produced by Barry Sonnenfeld, who will also direct a number of episodes, and Daniel Handler, legal, literary and social representative for Lemony Snicket.
Check out the fan-made trailer below: