PBS Masterpiece Sets Third TV Adaptation Of ‘The Forsyte Saga’; Cast Includes BAFTA-Winner Francesca Annis & ‘Doctor Who’ Star Millie Gibson
30.04.2024 - 16:11
/ deadline.com
EXCLUSIVE: The Forsyte Saga, John Galsworthy’s sweeping portrait of a wealthy British family in 1880s London, is getting its third TV adaptation in less than 60 years.
PBS Masterpiece has set a six-part season based on the 1920s novels, with BAFTA-nominated Poldark writer Debbie Horsfield penning the adaptation, designed to become a returning series.
It follows the BBC’s 1967 adaptation, which was watched by audiences of up to 18M. The 2002 version aired on ITV and featured a cast including Damian Lewis and Gina McKee.
The latest reimagining is housed at Mammoth Screen, the ITV Studios-backed British production company behind Parade’s End, The Serpent, and Victoria. Filming begins next month in England, Wales, and Italy.
Mammoth has gathered an ensemble cast for the series, led by BAFTA-winner Francesca Annis (Lillie), who plays formidable Forsyte matriarch Ann.
True Blood star Stephen Moyer features as Ann’s eldest son, Jolyon Senior, head of the family stockbroking firm Forsyte & Co. Danny Griffin (Fate: The Winx Saga) plays his bohemian son Jo, while Tuppence Middleton (Downton Abbey: A New Era) is his status-driven wife Frances. Eleanor Tomlinson (Poldark) plays Louisa Byrne, a Soho dressmaker and Jo’s first love.
Jack Davenport (The Morning Show) plays Ann’s competitive younger son James. Joshua Orpin (Titans) stars as James’ shrewd son Soames, with Millie Gibson (Doctor Who) featuring as his love interest. Tom Durant Pritchard (This Is Going To Hurt) plays Monty Dartie, James’ son-in-law.
Josette Simon (Anatomy of a Scandal) is Mrs. Ellen Parker Barrington, a wealthy heiress and friend of the Forsyte family. Jamie Flatters (Avatar: The Way Of Water) has been cast as architect Philip Bosinney