Gemma Arterton to star in ‘exceptional’ drama based on ‘masterpiece’ novel
Gemma Arterton will star in the series (Image: Antoine Flament, WireImagevia Getty Images)
Gemma Arterton is set to star in a new adaptation of The Portrait of a Lady. The actress will share the screen with Bill Nighy and Miranda Richardson in the BBC period drama, which is adapted from Henry James’s beloved 1881 novel. She will play Madame Merle in the six-episode limited series, reports the Mirror. The programme will also feature Servant’s Nell Tiger Free as Isabel Archer, a spirited New World ingénue who departs America for the old world of Europe.
“A charming young woman with an innate wildness and a burning desire to be independent, Isabel rejects a series of marriage proposals, but when she inherits an unexpected fortune that promises to grant her freedom, she falls prey to two American ex-pat schemers: the elegant Madame Merle, played by Bafta-nominee Gemma Arterton, and the charming but calculating Gilbert Osmond, played by Jim Sturgess,” a synopsis says.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Bill Nighy will star as Mr Touchett (Image: VALERY HACHE, AFP via Getty Images)
It adds: “Oscar-nominee and Bafta winner, Bill Nighy plays Mr Touchett, who is enamoured with Isabel’s youth and spirit and hopes to help her in her quest for freedom.”
Oscar-nominee and Bafta winner Miranda Richardson has been cast as Mrs Touchett, Isabel’s “fantastically eccentric aunt”, who whisks her away to Europe in search of a husband.
Further cast members include Jack Wolfe as Ralph Touchett, Calypso Cragg as Pansy Osmond, Maisie Richardson-Sellers as Henrietta Stackpole and Hugh Skinner as Lord Warburton. Hamish Frew, Thomas Coombes, Lydia Leonard and Game of Thrones’ Dean-Charles Chapman are also set to feature in the drama, which is currently being filmed across the UK, Hungary and Croatia.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Miranda Richardson is among the cast (Image: Dave Benett, Dave Benett/WireImagevia Getty Images)
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.”
“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,” they continued.
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.”
