Jeremy Irons Joins Sam Claflin in Bille August’s ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ Series for Mediawan (EXCLUSIVE)
variety.comElsa Keslassy International Correspondent Oscar winner Jeremy Irons has joined the cast of Palme d’Or-winning director Bille August‘s prestige limited series “The Count of Monte Cristo,” which also stars Sam Claflin.
A sprawling adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel, the English-language series is produced by Mediawan’s banner Palomar, the leading Italian company behind “Inspector Montalbano” and “The Name of the Rose,” in collaboration with another Mediawan label, France’s DEMD Productions.
The series’ five-month shoot will wrap in Malta in December, after having lensed in France and Italy. The show underscores Mediawan’s strategy to pursue prestige scripted projects with strong international potential under its €100 million co-development agreement signed earlier this year with private equity film Entourage Ventures. “The Count of Monte Cristo” marks Irons’ third collaboration with August, who directed him in “Night Train to Lisbon” and “The House of Spirits.” A revered Danish filmmaker, August previously won a pair of Palme d’Or awards for “The Best Intentions” and “Pelle the Conqueror.” Irons, the celebrated British actor whose credits include the series “Watchmen” as well as “Dead Ringers,” Reversal of Fortune” and “House of Gucci,” portrays the key character of Abbé Faria in “The Count of Monte Cristo.” In the novel, Faria befriends the novel’s hero, Edmond Dantès, played by Claflin, and has a decisive role in carrying out his revenge.
The story follows Edmond, a 19-year-old sailor who is falsely accused of treason and imprisoned without trial in the Château d’If, a grim island fortress off Marseille.
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