Top Ten British Monarchy Films
#1 The Young Victoria
(watched by 96% of those polled)
Starring Emily Blunt & Rupert Friend
#2 Elizabeth (76%)
#3 The King's Speech (75%)
#4 The Other Boleyn Girl (74%)
The Queen (64%)
King Arthur (61%)
Elizabeth: Golden Age (61%)
The Tudors (59%)
Mrs. Brown (50%)
Lady Jane (45%)
The reigns of Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth I and II, George VI, King Arthur, Henry VIII and Lady Jane Grey (The Nine Days' Queen) are the topics of the Top Ten Watched in the Poll of British Monarchy Films. These films are a wonderful way to step back in time to the royal courts of Britain starring such familiar faces as: Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johannson, Eric Bana, Judi Dench, Colin Firth, Helen Mirren, Clive Owen, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyer, Helena Bonham Carter and Cary Elwes.
Thanks to all who voted! (5700 votes cast)
Here are the Top Watched British Monarchy Films
Here are the Top Watched British Monarchy Films
#1 The Young Victoria(watched by 96% of those polled)
Starring Emily Blunt & Rupert Friend
#3 The King's Speech (75%)
#4 The Other Boleyn Girl (74%)
The Queen (64%)
King Arthur (61%)
Elizabeth: Golden Age (61%)
The Tudors (59%)
Mrs. Brown (50%)
Lady Jane (45%)
Upcoming Films
Annie
Possible remake with screenplay by Emma Thompson and starring Will Smith's daughter Willow
Shopping, Seduction & Mr. Selfridge
-script by Andrew Davies based on novel by Lindy Woodhead re: 1st dept. store in London, 1909
Great Expectations (2012)
Written by David Nichols, starring Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Jeremy Irvine
Great Expectations (2012)
New adaptation to be written by Sara Phelps for Christmas of Dickens' bicentenary. (3x60 min)
William Tell
-Brendan Fraser starring as Tell in historical legend
Peggy Lee biopic
-Reese Witherspoon has bought film rights and plans to star
To Catch A Thief - remake planned
Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Ben Stiller in talks to play lead in James Thurbur's short story
Jennifer Garner to portray young Miss Marple for Disney
War of the Ages- "an ancient artifact is uncovered, time is shattered and the seven greatest war leaders in history have to battle each other out. It's sort of like The Lord of the Rings meets Gladiator. You have Napoleon vs. Julius Caesar vs. Attila the Hun vs. Genghis Khan vs. Alexander vs. Hannibal. So, there you go. It's going to be in 3D and it's a big sword-and-sandal epic." Source
Games of 1940 - David Seidler writing the sports drama which is the true story of POWs in a Nazi prison camp who staged an Olympics-like competition after the 1940 Games were canceled.
A Woman of No Importance (2011)
Oscar Wilde's play with Annette Bening, Sean Bean & Amanda Seyfried
The Crossing
-pilot Civil war drama on NBC with Rachel Lefevre and Martin Henderson
Bridgit Jones 3?
Sounds like a 3rd sequel is moving ahead with Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant (book & script yet to be written by Helen Fielding)
Sinbad
13-part series to film this summer starring Reece Ritchie, directed by Andy Wilson
Jack the Giant Killer
Ewan McGregor, Bill Nighy, Stanley Tucci part of cast of fairy tale remake
Hunchback of Notre Dame
Josh Brolin pitching idea for film, writers of Sherlock Holmes, hoping Tim Burton will direct?
Beauty Sleep
Australian film planned for Sleeping Beauty
The Amateur Photographer
Daniel Radcliffe as 70's photographer in New England
Masterpiece
Al Pacino to portray artist Henri Matisse, directed by Deepa Mehta
Neverland (2011)
Rhys Ifans, Anna Friel, Charles Dance... Syfy and Sky tv 2-parter!
3 Snow White film adaptations...
Julia Roberts, Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Tarsem Singh...
Musical Movies: Cameron Mackintosh suggests that Les Miserables will likely be made into a movie ahead of My Fair Lady and Miss Saigon, his other projects in the works.
The Laureate
Orlando Bloom, Imogene Poots and Kerry Condon (The Last Station) in biopic about poet Robert Graves
* * * * * * * *
Hitchcock Biopic?
Anthony Hopkins to portray Hitchcock in film about the making of Psycho
There Be Dragons (2011)
Directed by Roland Joffe. Stars Charlie Cox as St. Josemaria Escriva and Wes Bentley as his friend in story of love, betrayal and forgiveness set during Spanish Civil War.
Call The Midwife
Written by Heidi Thomas. Based on Jennifer Worth's memoir of midwifery in 1950's East London. (6x60 min)
Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John. F. Kennedy (2013)
based on book by Vincent Bugliosi, Tom Hanks as producer
David and Goliath
- not sure how this biblical tale will turn out with the team behind it - produced by Temple Hill (Nativity Story) and Scott Derrickson (director of Exorcism of Emily Rose)
J. Edgar (2012)
biopic of J. Edgar Hoover, first director of FBI, directed by Clint Eastwood starring Leo Dicaprio, Judi Dench and possibly Charlize Theron
A Bollywood Alice in Wonderland?
-possibly with Sonam Kapoor from Aisha
The Wettest Country in the World (2012)
Jessica Chastain, Tom Hardy, Shia LeBoeuf in tale of 3 brothers during Prohibition based on novel by Matt Bondurant
The Debt
Helen Mirren, Ciaran Hinds, Tom Wilkinson, Jessica Chastain, Sam Worthington in spy thriller
Keira Knightley to play Anna Karenina? (with Joe Wright directing)
Grace Bedell
short film about 9 yr old girl who encountered President Lincoln
32, Brinkburn Street
BBC: Set in a Georgian terraced house in Manchester, the drama follows the lives of two generations of the same family, one in 1931 and one in 2011, and is currently being filmed in Manchester.
Scarlet Pimpernel (2012)
updated film planned by UK company run by Douglas Fairbanks' grandson akin to Ritchie's Sherlock
Johnny Depp to play The Thin Man with director Rob Marshall?
The Vow
Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum portray married couple in real-life tale trying to save their marriage after car accident erases wife's memory
Les Miserables - the musical?
I, for one, would love to see a movie adaptation of the musical.
From Prada to Nada (2011)
Sense & Sensibility - latina style
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012)
Not a period film but stars Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, enuf said!
Katherine of Alexandria (2011)
biopic of St. Katherine set in 333A.D. Egypt, with Peter O'Toole, William Houston, Nicole Madjarov
Jersey Boys Broadway musical of Frankie Valli to be made into film!
Beach Boys musical film in the works...(akin to Abba's music in Mamma Mia)
My Week with Marilyn (2011)
-Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne, Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench and Emma Watson cast in this biopic of Marilyn Monroe
The Vanderbilts - planned miniseries for Showtime with script by Julian Fellowes
Titanic - series planned for 100th anniversary of its voyage, penned by Julian Fellowes for ITV
Sherlock Holmes 2
Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are set to return and news now that Stephen Fry will take on the role of Mycroft.
Downton Abbey
this series is just wrapping up on PBS, countless posts found here...
The Lady Who Went Too Far
From the writer and producer of The King's Speech comes the story of Lady Hester Stanhope, and is based on the biography "Star of the Morning," by Kirsten Ellis. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, Stanhope was a world traveller and her tale contains elements of a political thriller as she moves through Europe and the Middle East. [THR]
On Chesil Beach (2012)
Carey Mulligan is set to star in adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel about a young, newly married couple in the early '60s. To be directed by Sam Mendes. [source]
The Great Divorce
(based on novel by C.S. Lewis) - the story of a busload of people from the grey town (a kind of purgatory/hell) that are taken on a trip to heaven. When published in 1946 it was considered by some to be a sequel to Lewis’ Screwtape Letters. To be produced by Beloved Pictures
100 Cupboards
The first novel in a trilogy by N.D. Wilson is being adapted by Beloved Pictures. It's been compared to Harry Potter as well as the Oz series...
War Horse (2011)
Steven Spielberg to direct a a film about a boy and his friendship with a horse throughout World War I. The new movie will be based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo. [Screenrush] Starring Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullan, Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Benedict Cumberbatch and Stephen Graham.
The Hobbit (2012)
After various delays, the latest news is that Peter Jackson will direct the 2-part film series based onTolkien's novel which will be shot back to back in New Zealand
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy Colin Firth, Gary Oldman, Rupert Penry-Jones, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ciaran Hinds and Tom Hardy will star adaptation of John LeCarre's bestseller tale of a spy-hunt within the highest echelons of the British Secret Intelligence Service.
Hemingway and Gellhorn
~HBO planning film focusing on marriage of Ernest Hemingway & Martha Gellhorn with Clive Owen and Nicole Kidman cast in lead roles.
~Gillian Anderson is also planning on starring in lead role in biopic of Martha Gellhorn.
The Man Who Killed Don Quixote
Terry Gilliam is hoping to get this film off the ground after earlier failed attempts. Johnny Depp might be on board if scheduling permits. (Robert Duvall mentions delay...)
Update: seems that Ewan McGregor is taking over role of Johnny Depp [movieweb]
Now there's talk of another Quixote film in the works...Warner Brother's Don Quixote
The Eagle's Nest (WWII action film) and The Sound and the Fury (post-Camelot) film both being developed by director Neil Marshall
Cleopatra
Scott Rudin has bought rights for film based on Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff with mention of Angelina Jolie possibly for lead role.
Wind in the Willows (2012)
Peter Jackson's company to adopt Kenneth Grahame's classic children's tale. Filming to begin this fall in New Zealand.
The Big Valley
Susan Sarandon possibly playing the matriarch of a ranching family in the 1870s San Joaquin Valley in this remake of Barbara Stanwyck's tv series. Added cast members include Ryan Phillipe, Billy Bob Thornton, Bruce Dern and Richard Dreyfuss.
Update: Jessica Lange has replaced Sarandon as the matriarch, Stephen Moyer has joined cast as Jarrod Barkley
Garrow's Law
has been renewed for a second series of 4 episodes to be aired later this year. Thanks to Lights, Camera, History for heads up
Clash of the Titans (2010)
Myth of Perseus starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Sam Worthington, Hans Matheson...
Never Let Me Go (2010)
Not a period drama but features Kiera Knightley, Carey Mulligan, Sally Hawkins and Charlotte Rampling. Based on novel (shortlisted for the Booker prize) by Kazuo Ishiguro who also wrote Remains of the Day.
The Beautiful and the Damned (2010)
"The true story of Zelda Fitzgerald (and her famous husband Scott), the Jazz Age icons who lived large, soared high and crashed very hard." Kiera Knightley is slated to play Zelda.
Middlemarch (2011)
No news yet for who's being cast in this feature film remake directed by Sam Mendes. Andrew Davies is rewriting the screenplay. article here - June 20
Eagle of the Ninth (2010)
Set in the 2nd century about a wounded Roman solider and his Celtic slave who investigate the mysterious disappearance of a brigade of Roman soldiers 15 years earlier. Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell
The Three Stooges (2010)
Sean Penn, Jim Carrey, Benicio Del Toro
Boone's Lick (2010)
Based on a novel by Larry Mcmurtry (author of Lonesome Dove), Cecil (Tom Hanks) is the brother-in-law who escorts Mary Margaret (Julianne Moore) on a journey to Wyoming set in post-Civil War.
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt (2010)
I know that Martin Scorcese loves Leo Dicaprio but I have a hard time imagining "Jack Dawson" as Theodore. It's piqued my curiosity.
Silence (2011)
In the 17th century two Jesuit priests face violence and persecution when they travel to Japan to locate their mentor and to spread the gospel of Christianity. Starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Benicio Del Toro. Directed by Martin Scorcese.
Outlander
The successful time travel series set in Scotland and written by Diana Gabaldon is in development. Randall Wallace (who wrote both BRAVEHEART and PEARL HARBOR) is doing the screenplay. Read more at Gabaldon's site.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
For fans of fantasy: Based on the video game, which follows an adventurous prince who teams up with a rival princess to stop an angry ruler from unleashing a sandstorm that could destroy the world. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kinglsey and Alfred Molina. view video
Ironclad (2010)
In 13th century a determined group of Knights Templar defends Rochester Castle against the tyrannical King John. Paul Giamatti, Colm Meaney, Richard Attenborough, William Mosely, Pete Postlethwaite and James Purefoy are speculated to be cast.
Mary, Mother of Christ (2010)
Camilla Belle will star as Mary and will be joined by Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the dual roles of Gabriel and Lucifer and Peter O'Toole as Symeon. Al Pacino and Jessica Lange are in talks to play Herod and Anna the Prophetess.
Black Death (2010)
"Set during the time of the first outbreak of bubonic plague in England, a young monk is tasked with learning the truth about reports of people being brought back to life in a small village." Set to star are Sean Bean, Rupert Friend and Famke Janssen. [IMDb lists both Eddie Redmayne and Rupert Friend as Osmund?]
The Tempest (2010)
The gender of Prospero has been switched to Prospera in this adaptation starring: Helen Mirren, Alan Cumming, Alfred Molina, David Strathairn, Chris Cooper, Ben Whishaw, Felicity Jones and Tom Conti.
A Woman of No Importance (2011)
Amanda Seyfried, Sean Bean and Annette Bening are set to star in this Oscar Wilde adaptation. Lindsay Lohan was set to star, who was replaced by Jessica Biel and now replaced by Sienna Miller and.....now Amanda Seyfried. Sounds like it's of no importance who will portray the woman of no importance??
Kiera Knightley was originally attached to this remake with script to be written by Emma Thompson. John Madden (Shakespeare in Love, Mrs. Brown, Capt. Corelli's Mandolin) is set to direct. Currently, Carey Mulligan is one possible contender.
tag: "upcoming period movie", "upcoming period film", "recent period movie", "latest period movie", "new period movie to be released"
links to 'Upcoming Dramas' at the bottom of the blog which will give more information for those coming up! I don't always add new ones to this page as it's become too time consuming so your best bet are the links at the bottom of the page or the button on the right!
Annie
Possible remake with screenplay by Emma Thompson and starring Will Smith's daughter Willow
Shopping, Seduction & Mr. Selfridge
-script by Andrew Davies based on novel by Lindy Woodhead re: 1st dept. store in London, 1909
Great Expectations (2012)
Written by David Nichols, starring Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Jeremy Irvine
Great Expectations (2012)
New adaptation to be written by Sara Phelps for Christmas of Dickens' bicentenary. (3x60 min)
William Tell
-Brendan Fraser starring as Tell in historical legend
Peggy Lee biopic
-Reese Witherspoon has bought film rights and plans to star
To Catch A Thief - remake planned
Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Ben Stiller in talks to play lead in James Thurbur's short story
Jennifer Garner to portray young Miss Marple for Disney
War of the Ages- "an ancient artifact is uncovered, time is shattered and the seven greatest war leaders in history have to battle each other out. It's sort of like The Lord of the Rings meets Gladiator. You have Napoleon vs. Julius Caesar vs. Attila the Hun vs. Genghis Khan vs. Alexander vs. Hannibal. So, there you go. It's going to be in 3D and it's a big sword-and-sandal epic." Source
Games of 1940 - David Seidler writing the sports drama which is the true story of POWs in a Nazi prison camp who staged an Olympics-like competition after the 1940 Games were canceled.
A Woman of No Importance (2011)
Oscar Wilde's play with Annette Bening, Sean Bean & Amanda Seyfried
The Crossing
-pilot Civil war drama on NBC with Rachel Lefevre and Martin Henderson
Bridgit Jones 3?
Sounds like a 3rd sequel is moving ahead with Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant (book & script yet to be written by Helen Fielding)
Sinbad
13-part series to film this summer starring Reece Ritchie, directed by Andy Wilson
Jack the Giant Killer
Ewan McGregor, Bill Nighy, Stanley Tucci part of cast of fairy tale remake
Hunchback of Notre Dame
Josh Brolin pitching idea for film, writers of Sherlock Holmes, hoping Tim Burton will direct?
Beauty Sleep
Australian film planned for Sleeping Beauty
The Amateur Photographer
Daniel Radcliffe as 70's photographer in New England
Masterpiece
Al Pacino to portray artist Henri Matisse, directed by Deepa Mehta
Neverland (2011)
Rhys Ifans, Anna Friel, Charles Dance... Syfy and Sky tv 2-parter!
3 Snow White film adaptations...
Julia Roberts, Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Tarsem Singh...
Musical Movies: Cameron Mackintosh suggests that Les Miserables will likely be made into a movie ahead of My Fair Lady and Miss Saigon, his other projects in the works.
The Laureate
Orlando Bloom, Imogene Poots and Kerry Condon (The Last Station) in biopic about poet Robert Graves
* * * * * * * *
Hitchcock Biopic?
Anthony Hopkins to portray Hitchcock in film about the making of Psycho
There Be Dragons (2011)
Directed by Roland Joffe. Stars Charlie Cox as St. Josemaria Escriva and Wes Bentley as his friend in story of love, betrayal and forgiveness set during Spanish Civil War.
Call The Midwife
Written by Heidi Thomas. Based on Jennifer Worth's memoir of midwifery in 1950's East London. (6x60 min)
Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John. F. Kennedy (2013)
based on book by Vincent Bugliosi, Tom Hanks as producer
David and Goliath
- not sure how this biblical tale will turn out with the team behind it - produced by Temple Hill (Nativity Story) and Scott Derrickson (director of Exorcism of Emily Rose)
J. Edgar (2012)
biopic of J. Edgar Hoover, first director of FBI, directed by Clint Eastwood starring Leo Dicaprio, Judi Dench and possibly Charlize Theron
A Bollywood Alice in Wonderland?
-possibly with Sonam Kapoor from Aisha
The Wettest Country in the World (2012)
Jessica Chastain, Tom Hardy, Shia LeBoeuf in tale of 3 brothers during Prohibition based on novel by Matt Bondurant
The Debt
Helen Mirren, Ciaran Hinds, Tom Wilkinson, Jessica Chastain, Sam Worthington in spy thriller
Keira Knightley to play Anna Karenina? (with Joe Wright directing)
Grace Bedell
short film about 9 yr old girl who encountered President Lincoln
32, Brinkburn Street
BBC: Set in a Georgian terraced house in Manchester, the drama follows the lives of two generations of the same family, one in 1931 and one in 2011, and is currently being filmed in Manchester.
Scarlet Pimpernel (2012)
updated film planned by UK company run by Douglas Fairbanks' grandson akin to Ritchie's Sherlock
Johnny Depp to play The Thin Man with director Rob Marshall?
The Vow
Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum portray married couple in real-life tale trying to save their marriage after car accident erases wife's memory
Les Miserables - the musical?
I, for one, would love to see a movie adaptation of the musical.
From Prada to Nada (2011)
Sense & Sensibility - latina style
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012)
Not a period film but stars Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, enuf said!
Katherine of Alexandria (2011)
biopic of St. Katherine set in 333A.D. Egypt, with Peter O'Toole, William Houston, Nicole Madjarov
Jersey Boys Broadway musical of Frankie Valli to be made into film!
Beach Boys musical film in the works...(akin to Abba's music in Mamma Mia)
My Week with Marilyn (2011)
-Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne, Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench and Emma Watson cast in this biopic of Marilyn Monroe
The Vanderbilts - planned miniseries for Showtime with script by Julian Fellowes
Titanic - series planned for 100th anniversary of its voyage, penned by Julian Fellowes for ITV
Sherlock Holmes 2
Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are set to return and news now that Stephen Fry will take on the role of Mycroft.
Downton Abbey
this series is just wrapping up on PBS, countless posts found here...
The Lady Who Went Too Far
From the writer and producer of The King's Speech comes the story of Lady Hester Stanhope, and is based on the biography "Star of the Morning," by Kirsten Ellis. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, Stanhope was a world traveller and her tale contains elements of a political thriller as she moves through Europe and the Middle East. [THR]
contemporary drama featuring Lucy Griffiths, Rupert Evans, Francesca Annis, Tim Pigott-Smith based on Philippa Gregory's novel
Film making its way into theatres and filmfests this year - gothic tale about 2 sisters running a farm in 18th century Canada
On Chesil Beach (2012)
Carey Mulligan is set to star in adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel about a young, newly married couple in the early '60s. To be directed by Sam Mendes. [source]
BBC Four will air H.G.Well's sci-fi classic of Edwardian scientist Professor Cavor, played by Mark Gatiss
Anna Maxwell Martin and David Morrissey lead the cast in Andrew Davies' new three-part adaptation of South Riding, based on novel by Winifred Holtby
The Great Divorce
(based on novel by C.S. Lewis) - the story of a busload of people from the grey town (a kind of purgatory/hell) that are taken on a trip to heaven. When published in 1946 it was considered by some to be a sequel to Lewis’ Screwtape Letters. To be produced by Beloved Pictures
100 Cupboards
The first novel in a trilogy by N.D. Wilson is being adapted by Beloved Pictures. It's been compared to Harry Potter as well as the Oz series...
War Horse (2011)
Steven Spielberg to direct a a film about a boy and his friendship with a horse throughout World War I. The new movie will be based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo. [Screenrush] Starring Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullan, Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Benedict Cumberbatch and Stephen Graham.
The Hobbit (2012)
After various delays, the latest news is that Peter Jackson will direct the 2-part film series based onTolkien's novel which will be shot back to back in New Zealand
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy Colin Firth, Gary Oldman, Rupert Penry-Jones, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ciaran Hinds and Tom Hardy will star adaptation of John LeCarre's bestseller tale of a spy-hunt within the highest echelons of the British Secret Intelligence Service.
Hemingway and Gellhorn
~HBO planning film focusing on marriage of Ernest Hemingway & Martha Gellhorn with Clive Owen and Nicole Kidman cast in lead roles.
~Gillian Anderson is also planning on starring in lead role in biopic of Martha Gellhorn.
The Man Who Killed Don Quixote
Terry Gilliam is hoping to get this film off the ground after earlier failed attempts. Johnny Depp might be on board if scheduling permits. (Robert Duvall mentions delay...)
Update: seems that Ewan McGregor is taking over role of Johnny Depp [movieweb]
Now there's talk of another Quixote film in the works...Warner Brother's Don Quixote
The Eagle's Nest (WWII action film) and The Sound and the Fury (post-Camelot) film both being developed by director Neil Marshall
Cleopatra
Scott Rudin has bought rights for film based on Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff with mention of Angelina Jolie possibly for lead role.
Wind in the Willows (2012)
Peter Jackson's company to adopt Kenneth Grahame's classic children's tale. Filming to begin this fall in New Zealand.
The Big Valley
Susan Sarandon possibly playing the matriarch of a ranching family in the 1870s San Joaquin Valley in this remake of Barbara Stanwyck's tv series. Added cast members include Ryan Phillipe, Billy Bob Thornton, Bruce Dern and Richard Dreyfuss.
Update: Jessica Lange has replaced Sarandon as the matriarch, Stephen Moyer has joined cast as Jarrod Barkley
Garrow's Law
has been renewed for a second series of 4 episodes to be aired later this year. Thanks to Lights, Camera, History for heads up
William the Conquerer
Starz production: focuses on the famous French ruler who, in 1066, led the last successful invasion of the British Isles. [THR]
World Without End
Banking on the success of yet to be released Pillars of the Earth, Starz has already ordered a series of Pillar's sequel novel by Ken Follett. Variety
Pharoah
12-part series brought by producers of Rome, co-production of BBC and HBO
The Borgias (2011)
"a complex, unvarnished portrait of one of history's most intriguing and infamous dynastic families." Derek Jacobi and Jeremy Irons have been cast [tv.broadwayworld]
The Guns of August
4x90 minute historical miniseries based on the Pulitzer-prize winning book by Barbara Tuchman about the first months of World War I. [THR]
Pompeii
Sony Pictures - 4 hour miniseries "both a love story and a thriller, with the historical, apocalyptic backdrop of a city on the precipice of destruction and characters who are totally relatable to a contemporary audience" [THR]
The Medici
Paybox Sky Italia boarded Renaissance-set "The Medici," set up at the BBC and Elisabeth Murdoch's Shine. Variety
The Kennedy's (2011)
History Channel filming 8-part series starring Greg Kinnear and Katie Holmes. [read more]
Jackie (2012)
Rachel Weisz has been cast to play Jackie Kennedy in biopic that will focus on the 4 days following the assassination of President Kennedy. [Hollywood Insider]
Camelot (2011)
>>Updated with casting news
Showtime and the BBC are developing a contemporary series retelling of "Camelot," with "The Tudors" masterminds Michael Hirst ("Elizabeth," "Elizabeth: The Golden Age") and Morgan O'Sullivan serving as creative kings. original source
Any Human Heart (2010)
William Boyd's novel about a writer spanning 9 decades is being made into 4-part series starring Jim Broadbent, Kim Cattrall, Matthew Macfadyen, Gillian Anderson, Tom Hollander.
Wuthering Heights (2011)
Update: We heard many names attached to this remake Natalie Portman replaced by Abbie Cornish replaced by Gemma Arterton replaced by Kaya Scodelario (Clash of the Titans). Script is by Olivia Hetreed (Girl with a Pearl Earring) Andrea Arnold to direct. [Screen Terrier] Not even sure if Kaya is on board...
One Day (2011)
Not a period drama but familiar faces in cast... Romola Garai (Daniel Deronda, Atonement) is in negotiations to join the cast of Focus Features' romantic comedy for director Lone Scherfig (An Education). Based on David Nicholls' novel, the film stars Anne Hathaway (Becoming Jane, Nicholas Nickleby) and Jim Sturgess (The Other Boleyn Girl, Across the Universe) [Comingsoon.net]
Like Water for Elephants ( 2011)
Based on novel by Sara Gruen. Starring Reese Witherspoon, Rob Pattinson, Christoph Waltz. A veterinary student abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a traveling circus as their vet. Set in 1930's [wikipedia link]
Gidget to return to tv and film...
"This modern Gidget will “tackle contemporary issues and will be aimed at teens, tweens, and pre-tweens,... The book surrounds Gidget’s desire to participate in surfing, a sport usually reserved for boys at the time." EW
Julius Caesar - new epic trilogy of films?
The movie hopes to be the first in a trilogy based on Conn Iggulden’s bestselling Emperor book series. From the producers of the film 300
2 Films of '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea'
1) David Fincher is set to take on Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with script to be written by Scott J. Burns.
2) 20th Century Fox is developing its own take of the Jules Verne classic with producers Ridley and Tony Scott. [Heat Vision]
2 Films about Marilyn Monroe:
1)My Week with Marilyn with Michelle Williams taking on the role about the time Monroe spent in England shooting 'The Prince and the Showgirl' opposite Laurence Olivier. Simon Curtis is slated to direct and they're currently looking for actor to play Olivier after Ralph Fiennes pulled out.
2)Blonde features Naomi Watts as Marilyn, based on novel by Joyce Carol Oates. To be produced by the Weinstein company. [Cinematical]
2 Films planned for Three Musketeers?
Already heard about one to be produced by Wingram but now it seems the race is on by another company to see who can first come up with one ready for production. Read article in L.A. Times
1. The Three Musketeers
producer Lionel Wigram, the creative force behind Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes is planning to remake Alexandre Dumas classic
2. The Three Musketeers (2011)
-Screenplay co-written by Paul W.S. Anderson and Andrew Davies with plans for it to have a more contemporary feel although still period. Matthew Macfadyen, Orlando Bloom and Mads Mikkleson set to be on cast.
3 Films planned for Treasure Island
1) Treasure Island
Ecosse Films want to update the 19th century tale for contemporary audiences, playing up the relationship between Long John Silver and narrator Jim Hawkins. Trying to be hipper...
2)Warner Brothers (producer Lionel Wigram) have hired Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy) to direct and appear to be ahead of the game in getting their film off the ground. [firstshowing.net]
3) Treasure Island
Great cast starring Eddie Izzard (this one's already filming!) Syfy and Sky One
Arabian Nights
Liam Hemsworth has been cast in 3D period epic which centers on a young commander who, after his king is murdered in a coup, joins forces with Sinbad and Aladdin to rescue Queen Scheherazade.Anthony Hopkins has apparently joined cast to play evil sorcerer. [comingsoon.net]
La Princesse de Montpensier (2010)
France, 1562. The wars of religion between Catholics and Protestants rage against a backdrop of intrigue and shifting alliances.
Des hommes et des dieux (2010)
A drama about Cistercian monks who stand up for their beliefs when confronted by fundamentalists.
Quatermain
Sam Worthington (Clash of the Titans, Avatar) is attached to star in and will produce Quatermain, DreamWorks Pictures' sci-fi take on the literary hero.
The Age of Adaline
Katherine Heigl stars a young woman, born at the turn of 20th century, who is rendered ageless after an accident. After years of a solitary life, she meets a man who might be worth losing her immortality.
[comingsoon.net, THR]
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
Not a period drama but cast includes: Ewan Macgregor, Emily Blunt, and Kristin Scott Thomas. Directed by Lasse Hallstrom (Chocolat, Cider House Rules). Script by Simon Beaufoy.
Read more at comingsoon.net
The Danish Girl (2012)
Directed by Lasse Hallstrom. Based on novel by David Ebershoff, The Danish Girl follows the story of the first ever sex change patient, Einar Wegener, a Danish male whose love life and art career set him up to go through the male-to-female operation. Nicole Kidman is slated to star as the lead. Gwyneth Paltrow was slated to play Kidman’s character’s wife, Gerda Wegener but has pulled out of film.
Vivaldi
Jessica Biel and Luke Evans are set to star in "Vivaldi," a period romance being produced by Raffaella De Laurentiis. The film centers on a forbidden romance that develops between composer, priest and violin virtuoso Antonio Vivaldi and his protege, singer Anna Tessieri Giro, leading him to write his enduring masterpiece "The Four Seasons." (THR)
Winnie
Terrence Howard will play Nelson Mandela with Jennifer Hudson starring as Winnie, based on the story of Winnie Mandela, Nelson Mandela's former wife.
Immortals (2011)
-previously titled War of Gods, follows the mythological tale of the young warrior Theseus, who leads his men into battle with the immortal Greek gods to defeat evil and the powerful elder gods of the Titans in order to save mankind. Tarsem Singh (The Fall) directs.
Enchantress of Numbers
-film about "life of Ada Lovelace, a wholly interesting and brilliant English woman who's often regarded as the world's first computer programmer." Zooey Deschanel, Toby Jones, Billy Crudup. From director Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy) (source)
2 Excalibur projects in the works:
Guy Ritchie has signed on to direct film of King Arthur centred on gathering of knights. Bryan Singer is set to direct a second remake. Both projects are for Warner Brothers but which one will get produced?
In the Beginning
Paramount to do 3D film based on the Book of Genesis
The Girl With the Red Riding Hood
Amanda Seyfried has signed on for this gothic remake to be produced by Leonardo Dicaprio
Leonardo da Vinci and the Soldiers of Forever
Warner Brothers to make Da Vinci the star of an "action-adventure" film?
Selma
Hugh Jackman has signed on for undisclosed role in this civil rights film based on the march of Martin Luther King in Selma, Alabama. To be directed by Lee Daniels (Precious).
Pillars of the Earth (2010)
Based on Ken Follett's novel, this miniseries will feature Ian McShane, Matthew Macfadyen, Rufus Sewell, Donald Sutherland, Hayley Atwell, Gordon Pinsent, Sarah Parish, Eddie Redmayne.
Just found out that Pillars will premiere in spring 2010 on Movie Central and The Movie Network in Canada and in July on Starz in the U.S.
The Pacific (2010) (to begin on March 14th, 2010 on HBO)
- a miniseries produced by Spielberg and Tom Hanks "Whereas Band of Brothers focused on Army's involvement in the European Theater of Operations, the new series will be about the Marine Corps's actions in the Pacific Theater of Operations."
The Help (2010)
Based on Kathryn Stockett's bestseller about the conflicted and complex relationships between Southern women and their housekeepers at the beginning of the civil rights movement in the early 1960's.
Love Never Dies
Sequel to Phantom of the Opera, produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber makes its world premiere in London.
Marlene Dietrich biopic
Gwyneth Paltrow to produce and star in this BBC/HBO project, script by Andrew Davies (thanks to Laurel Ann for heads up)
Serena
Ron Rash's novel set in North Caroline in 1929, with interest by Angelina Jolie to star
Sharpe's Challenge
Sean Bean stars in films based on Bernard Cornwell's novels. To air on PBS on March 28,2010.
Robert Kennedy biopic
Matt Damon to take on the role of JFK's younger brother based on biography by Evan Thomas.
Anonymous
-historical thriller about Queen Elizabeth and who will succeed her with some reference to Shakespeare's works being attributed to Earl of Oxford (and possibility of script being based on Mark Anderson's book which suggests just that). Cast: Vanessa Redgrave (Queen Elizabeth), David Thewlis (William Cecil) and Rhys Ifans (The Earl Of Oxford)
Sherlock Holmes
BBC and PBS co-producing modern take on Conan Doyle's story starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, and Rupert Graves (source) (BBC press release)
Aurelio Zen
Rufus Sewell will take on the Italian crime detective based on Michael Dibden's novels.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Besides Penelope Cruz possibly joining the cast, looks like Ian McShane will take on Blackbeard.
Peony in Love
Lisa See's novel set in 17th century China to be adapted for film.
Belle and Bette
FromVariety.com "HBO Films is developing "Belle and Bette," which Jones pitches as "a black version of Jane Austen." It's based on the true story of Dido Belle, a mixed-race girl adopted by the Earl of Mansfield in the 18th century." Thanks to Austenprose for mentioning!
Downton Abbey
Everything you want to know...
Albert Nobbs
Glenn Close is set to reprise her stage role in film based on George Moore's story. Orlando Bloom, Michael Gambon and Janet McTeer are also on board.
Burke and Hare (2010)
Andy Serkis is replacing David Tennant in this dark (yet true) comedy about 19th century graverobbers. Also stars: Simon Pegg, Tom Wilkinson, John Cleese, Hugh Bonneville, Isla Fisher, Stephen Merchant. Directed by John Landis
The Promised Land (2011)
"a police-thriller set in Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem during the British Mandate era in Palestine. It tells the gripping true story of two British police officers Thomas Wilkin, played by Jim Sturgess, and Geoffrey Morton, played by Matthew Macfadyen and their battle to bring to an end the campaign of bombings and assassinations by the extreme right-wing Jewish underground led by the charismatic poet, Avraham Stern [Colin Firth]. The film culminates when the two policemen track Stern down to his apartment hide-out in Tel Aviv on Mizrachi Street in 1942." indie wire
W. E.
Wallis and Edward biopic to be directed by Madonna?
Pride and Prejudice remake?
Papercut productions will start filming this summer. PrideandPrejudice05 blog will have special updates
Jane Eyre (2011)
- a new film to be directed by Cary Fukunaga with BBC Films. Previously Ellen Page was set to star but the latest news (from Variety) has Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) joining Michael Fassbender for the film. I just realized that I've seen Fassbender years ago in A Bear Named Winnie, the true story of the bear that inspired A.A. Milne's classic of Winnie the Pooh.
Centurion (2010)
"A splinter group of Roman soldiers fight for their lives behind enemy lines after their legion is decimated in a devastating guerrilla attack." JJ Feild, Dominic West, David Morrissey, Michael Fassbender, Olga Kurylenko.
Mildred Pierce
Kate Winslet to star in HBO's 5 hour miniseries remake.
Little War (?)
Kevin Costner to direct and star as a sheriff in WWII
Tim Burton to remake Sleeping Beauty?
Sounds like Burton's next film might focus on the evil fairy Maleficent.
Alias Grace (?)
Based on Margaret Atwood's novel based on true-life sensational case of Grace Marks in 1843 Canada. (Amazon.ca synopsis)
L'autre Dumas (2010)
Gerard Depardieu in a biopic of Alexandre Dumas, author of Count of Monte Cristo. Also featuring Benoît Poelvoorde (from Coco avant Chanel)
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
Teen flick about battle of the Gods. Features Sean Bean :)
Enchanted sequel?
Variety reports that plans are in the works for a sequel to the highly successful 'Enchanted' starring Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey. No word yet on cast or plotline.
Sinatra (2011)
Biopic of Frank Sinatra to be directed by Martin Scorcese. Rumored cast includes Leonarda Dicaprio, Scarlett Johannson, Adam Sandler, Clive Owen, Mark Ruffalo
This Beautiful Fantastic
Update: Felicity Jones, Rhys Ifans new cast? yet to be determined...
Originally: Carey Mulligan, Tom Wilkinson, Christopher Eccleston, Mackenzie Crook and Joanna Lumley. "A modern fairy tale in the vein of Amelie and Finding Neverland.” article here
untitled Viking film (2011)
Mel Gibson to direct. Leo Dicaprio to star. William Monahan to write the script.
Dracula: Year Zero
Sam Worthington the latest to hop on the monster bandwagon...
A Dangerous Method (2011) /previously title Talking Cure
Keira Knightley has been cast opposite Christoph Waltz (Freud) and Michael Fassbender (Jung) in film based on Christopher Hampton's play. To be directed by David Cronenberg. (source)
The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec (2010)
Set in 1912 Paris, based on a series of comic books.
A Passionate Woman (2010)
Based on Kay Mellor's novel set in '50s Britain. Starring Billie Piper, Sue Johnston, Alun Armstrong and Frances Barber (BBC One)
The Sinking of the Laconia (2010)
True story set during WW2 starring Andrew Buchan, Ken Duken, Brian Cox, Lindsay Duncan. (BBC Two)
The Secret Diaries of Anne Lister (2010)
19th century biopic starring Anna Madeley and Maxine Peake. (BBC Two)
Burns (2010)
Biopic of Robbie Burns, currently in pre-production, plans to star Gerard Butler (source Bookish Kind)
Pompeii (2011)
A dramatic thriller set against the backdrop of Mt. Vesuvius just before and during its eruption. Based on novel by Robert Harris.
Gulliver's Travels (2010)
Jack Black, Emily Blunt, Catherine Tate, Billy Connelly
Buccaneers
Heidi Thomas is said to be working on a film screenplay of Edith Wharton's novel for the BBC source
BBC is planning a biopic of Aung San Suu Kyi, winner of Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, still imprisoned under house arrest in Myanmar. Michelle Yeoh (Memoirs of a Geisha, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) is set to star.
Pride & Prejudice & Zombies (2011)
Seems official that Natalie Portman will be taking on the role of Elizabeth Bennett. Oh dear.
Far From the Madding Crowd (2010)
BBC Films has hired David Nichols to adapt Thomas Hardy's novel.
Swallows and Amazons (2010)
BBC Films is adapting the Arthur Ransome classic (read more here)
Peter Pan in Scarlet (2012)
BBC Films adapting the sequel written by Geraldine McCaughrean
Hallelujah
Stephen Fry writing screenplay for biopic of composer Handel for BBC Films
1776 (2011)
Tom Hanks who produced John Adams, is collaborating with HBO again to make 1776 based on David McCullough's book. source
The Bear and the Bow (2011)
Disney-Pixar film will feature the voices of Reese Witherspoon, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson and Julie Walters. (Pixar's first fairy tale, is a combination of writer Brenda Chapman's love of Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm)
Taj (2011)
Ben Kingsley portrays Shah Jahan who constructed the Taj Mahal for his favoured wife (Aishwarya Rai)
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (2011)
"A language kept a secret for a thousand years forms the backdrop for an unforgettable novel of two Chinese women whose friendship and love sustains them through their lives. This absorbing novel – with a storyline unlike anything Lisa See has written before – takes place in 19th century China when girls had their feet bound, then spent the rest of their lives in seclusion with only a single window from which to see..." (screenplay by Angela Workman) Found out from Lights, Camera, Historythat Hugh Jackman is now attached to project?
1421: The Year that China Discovered the World
-premise of the book by Gavin Menzies is that a Chinese fleet of explorers led by the Admiral Zheng traversed and mapped the world before the European Age of Discovery (screenplay by Angela Workman)
Still waiting to hear news of the Bronte project penned by Angela Workman to start production. It seems like another Bronte film directed by Dominic Murphy might be launched soon. This one seems to be catering to the Twilight crowd but I'm more interested in the Workman production which seems to be on hold.
Veer (2010)
The film, written by Salman Khan, is an epic love-war film set in 1875 when the British were ruling India.
Murder on the Orient Express
remake based on Agatha Christie's novel, starring David Suchet, Eileen Atkins, Hugh Bonneville, David Morrissey
King's Speech (2010)
Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush star in this royal biopic about King George V and his speech tutor during the time of the abdication of the throne. Also stars Jennifer Ehle, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon, Guy Pearce and Derek Jacobi
Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang (2010)
Emma Thompson resumes her role as McPhee, joined by Ralph Fiennes, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Maggie Smith, Rhys Ifans.
Coriolanus
Gerard Butler will star in Ralph Fiennes' directorial debut, a contemporary version of Shakespeare's Rome-set political and family drama. Also featuring: William Hurt, Eddie Marsan, Jessica Chastain and Vanessa Redgrave.
Emma and Nelson (2011)
-Julian Fellowes is working on a script for this 18th century biopic about Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton
(Variety)
Greek Fire (2011)
-biopic of Maria Callas,(opera singer, linked to Aristotle Onassis) with Eva Mendes rumored to star. Written by Julian Fellowes - Telegraph
Banking on Mr. Toad (2010)
-biopic of Kenneth Grahame (author of Wind in the Willows), set to star Ioan Gruffudd and Samantha Morton
Queen Kristina (2011)
Sarah Polley will be portraying the "17th century Swedish queen who ascended to the throne at age six years and became an eccentric political and military leader who eventually abdicated her throne to pursue artistic and scientific interests. " To be co-produced by Canada and Sweden.
Starz production: focuses on the famous French ruler who, in 1066, led the last successful invasion of the British Isles. [THR]
World Without End
Banking on the success of yet to be released Pillars of the Earth, Starz has already ordered a series of Pillar's sequel novel by Ken Follett. Variety
Pharoah
12-part series brought by producers of Rome, co-production of BBC and HBO
The Borgias (2011)
"a complex, unvarnished portrait of one of history's most intriguing and infamous dynastic families." Derek Jacobi and Jeremy Irons have been cast [tv.broadwayworld]
The Guns of August
4x90 minute historical miniseries based on the Pulitzer-prize winning book by Barbara Tuchman about the first months of World War I. [THR]
Pompeii
Sony Pictures - 4 hour miniseries "both a love story and a thriller, with the historical, apocalyptic backdrop of a city on the precipice of destruction and characters who are totally relatable to a contemporary audience" [THR]
The Medici
Paybox Sky Italia boarded Renaissance-set "The Medici," set up at the BBC and Elisabeth Murdoch's Shine. Variety
The Kennedy's (2011)
History Channel filming 8-part series starring Greg Kinnear and Katie Holmes. [read more]
Jackie (2012)
Rachel Weisz has been cast to play Jackie Kennedy in biopic that will focus on the 4 days following the assassination of President Kennedy. [Hollywood Insider]
Camelot (2011)
>>Updated with casting news
Showtime and the BBC are developing a contemporary series retelling of "Camelot," with "The Tudors" masterminds Michael Hirst ("Elizabeth," "Elizabeth: The Golden Age") and Morgan O'Sullivan serving as creative kings. original source
Any Human Heart (2010)
William Boyd's novel about a writer spanning 9 decades is being made into 4-part series starring Jim Broadbent, Kim Cattrall, Matthew Macfadyen, Gillian Anderson, Tom Hollander.
Wuthering Heights (2011)
Update: We heard many names attached to this remake Natalie Portman replaced by Abbie Cornish replaced by Gemma Arterton replaced by Kaya Scodelario (Clash of the Titans). Script is by Olivia Hetreed (Girl with a Pearl Earring) Andrea Arnold to direct. [Screen Terrier] Not even sure if Kaya is on board...
One Day (2011)
Not a period drama but familiar faces in cast... Romola Garai (Daniel Deronda, Atonement) is in negotiations to join the cast of Focus Features' romantic comedy for director Lone Scherfig (An Education). Based on David Nicholls' novel, the film stars Anne Hathaway (Becoming Jane, Nicholas Nickleby) and Jim Sturgess (The Other Boleyn Girl, Across the Universe) [Comingsoon.net]
Like Water for Elephants ( 2011)
Based on novel by Sara Gruen. Starring Reese Witherspoon, Rob Pattinson, Christoph Waltz. A veterinary student abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a traveling circus as their vet. Set in 1930's [wikipedia link]
Gidget to return to tv and film...
"This modern Gidget will “tackle contemporary issues and will be aimed at teens, tweens, and pre-tweens,... The book surrounds Gidget’s desire to participate in surfing, a sport usually reserved for boys at the time." EW
Julius Caesar - new epic trilogy of films?
The movie hopes to be the first in a trilogy based on Conn Iggulden’s bestselling Emperor book series. From the producers of the film 300
2 Films of '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea'
1) David Fincher is set to take on Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with script to be written by Scott J. Burns.
2) 20th Century Fox is developing its own take of the Jules Verne classic with producers Ridley and Tony Scott. [Heat Vision]
2 Films about Marilyn Monroe:
1)My Week with Marilyn with Michelle Williams taking on the role about the time Monroe spent in England shooting 'The Prince and the Showgirl' opposite Laurence Olivier. Simon Curtis is slated to direct and they're currently looking for actor to play Olivier after Ralph Fiennes pulled out.
2)Blonde features Naomi Watts as Marilyn, based on novel by Joyce Carol Oates. To be produced by the Weinstein company. [Cinematical]
2 Films planned for Three Musketeers?
Already heard about one to be produced by Wingram but now it seems the race is on by another company to see who can first come up with one ready for production. Read article in L.A. Times
1. The Three Musketeers
producer Lionel Wigram, the creative force behind Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes is planning to remake Alexandre Dumas classic
2. The Three Musketeers (2011)
-Screenplay co-written by Paul W.S. Anderson and Andrew Davies with plans for it to have a more contemporary feel although still period. Matthew Macfadyen, Orlando Bloom and Mads Mikkleson set to be on cast.
3 Films planned for Treasure Island
1) Treasure Island
Ecosse Films want to update the 19th century tale for contemporary audiences, playing up the relationship between Long John Silver and narrator Jim Hawkins. Trying to be hipper...
2)Warner Brothers (producer Lionel Wigram) have hired Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy) to direct and appear to be ahead of the game in getting their film off the ground. [firstshowing.net]
3) Treasure Island
Great cast starring Eddie Izzard (this one's already filming!) Syfy and Sky One
Arabian Nights
Liam Hemsworth has been cast in 3D period epic which centers on a young commander who, after his king is murdered in a coup, joins forces with Sinbad and Aladdin to rescue Queen Scheherazade.Anthony Hopkins has apparently joined cast to play evil sorcerer. [comingsoon.net]
La Princesse de Montpensier (2010)
France, 1562. The wars of religion between Catholics and Protestants rage against a backdrop of intrigue and shifting alliances.
Des hommes et des dieux (2010)
A drama about Cistercian monks who stand up for their beliefs when confronted by fundamentalists.
Quatermain
Sam Worthington (Clash of the Titans, Avatar) is attached to star in and will produce Quatermain, DreamWorks Pictures' sci-fi take on the literary hero.
The Age of Adaline
Katherine Heigl stars a young woman, born at the turn of 20th century, who is rendered ageless after an accident. After years of a solitary life, she meets a man who might be worth losing her immortality.
[comingsoon.net, THR]
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
Not a period drama but cast includes: Ewan Macgregor, Emily Blunt, and Kristin Scott Thomas. Directed by Lasse Hallstrom (Chocolat, Cider House Rules). Script by Simon Beaufoy.
Read more at comingsoon.net
The Danish Girl (2012)
Directed by Lasse Hallstrom. Based on novel by David Ebershoff, The Danish Girl follows the story of the first ever sex change patient, Einar Wegener, a Danish male whose love life and art career set him up to go through the male-to-female operation. Nicole Kidman is slated to star as the lead. Gwyneth Paltrow was slated to play Kidman’s character’s wife, Gerda Wegener but has pulled out of film.
Vivaldi
Jessica Biel and Luke Evans are set to star in "Vivaldi," a period romance being produced by Raffaella De Laurentiis. The film centers on a forbidden romance that develops between composer, priest and violin virtuoso Antonio Vivaldi and his protege, singer Anna Tessieri Giro, leading him to write his enduring masterpiece "The Four Seasons." (THR)
Winnie
Terrence Howard will play Nelson Mandela with Jennifer Hudson starring as Winnie, based on the story of Winnie Mandela, Nelson Mandela's former wife.
Immortals (2011)
-previously titled War of Gods, follows the mythological tale of the young warrior Theseus, who leads his men into battle with the immortal Greek gods to defeat evil and the powerful elder gods of the Titans in order to save mankind. Tarsem Singh (The Fall) directs.
Enchantress of Numbers
-film about "life of Ada Lovelace, a wholly interesting and brilliant English woman who's often regarded as the world's first computer programmer." Zooey Deschanel, Toby Jones, Billy Crudup. From director Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy) (source)
2 Excalibur projects in the works:
Guy Ritchie has signed on to direct film of King Arthur centred on gathering of knights. Bryan Singer is set to direct a second remake. Both projects are for Warner Brothers but which one will get produced?
In the Beginning
Paramount to do 3D film based on the Book of Genesis
The Girl With the Red Riding Hood
Amanda Seyfried has signed on for this gothic remake to be produced by Leonardo Dicaprio
Leonardo da Vinci and the Soldiers of Forever
Warner Brothers to make Da Vinci the star of an "action-adventure" film?
Selma
Hugh Jackman has signed on for undisclosed role in this civil rights film based on the march of Martin Luther King in Selma, Alabama. To be directed by Lee Daniels (Precious).
Pillars of the Earth (2010)
Based on Ken Follett's novel, this miniseries will feature Ian McShane, Matthew Macfadyen, Rufus Sewell, Donald Sutherland, Hayley Atwell, Gordon Pinsent, Sarah Parish, Eddie Redmayne.
Just found out that Pillars will premiere in spring 2010 on Movie Central and The Movie Network in Canada and in July on Starz in the U.S.
The Pacific (2010) (to begin on March 14th, 2010 on HBO)
- a miniseries produced by Spielberg and Tom Hanks "Whereas Band of Brothers focused on Army's involvement in the European Theater of Operations, the new series will be about the Marine Corps's actions in the Pacific Theater of Operations."
The Help (2010)
Based on Kathryn Stockett's bestseller about the conflicted and complex relationships between Southern women and their housekeepers at the beginning of the civil rights movement in the early 1960's.
Love Never Dies
Sequel to Phantom of the Opera, produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber makes its world premiere in London.
Marlene Dietrich biopic
Gwyneth Paltrow to produce and star in this BBC/HBO project, script by Andrew Davies (thanks to Laurel Ann for heads up)
Serena
Ron Rash's novel set in North Caroline in 1929, with interest by Angelina Jolie to star
Sharpe's Challenge
Sean Bean stars in films based on Bernard Cornwell's novels. To air on PBS on March 28,2010.
Robert Kennedy biopic
Matt Damon to take on the role of JFK's younger brother based on biography by Evan Thomas.
Anonymous
-historical thriller about Queen Elizabeth and who will succeed her with some reference to Shakespeare's works being attributed to Earl of Oxford (and possibility of script being based on Mark Anderson's book which suggests just that). Cast: Vanessa Redgrave (Queen Elizabeth), David Thewlis (William Cecil) and Rhys Ifans (The Earl Of Oxford)
Sherlock Holmes
BBC and PBS co-producing modern take on Conan Doyle's story starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, and Rupert Graves (source) (BBC press release)
Aurelio Zen
Rufus Sewell will take on the Italian crime detective based on Michael Dibden's novels.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Besides Penelope Cruz possibly joining the cast, looks like Ian McShane will take on Blackbeard.
Peony in Love
Lisa See's novel set in 17th century China to be adapted for film.
Belle and Bette
FromVariety.com "HBO Films is developing "Belle and Bette," which Jones pitches as "a black version of Jane Austen." It's based on the true story of Dido Belle, a mixed-race girl adopted by the Earl of Mansfield in the 18th century." Thanks to Austenprose for mentioning!
Downton Abbey
Everything you want to know...
Albert Nobbs
Glenn Close is set to reprise her stage role in film based on George Moore's story. Orlando Bloom, Michael Gambon and Janet McTeer are also on board.
Burke and Hare (2010)
Andy Serkis is replacing David Tennant in this dark (yet true) comedy about 19th century graverobbers. Also stars: Simon Pegg, Tom Wilkinson, John Cleese, Hugh Bonneville, Isla Fisher, Stephen Merchant. Directed by John Landis
The Promised Land (2011)
"a police-thriller set in Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem during the British Mandate era in Palestine. It tells the gripping true story of two British police officers Thomas Wilkin, played by Jim Sturgess, and Geoffrey Morton, played by Matthew Macfadyen and their battle to bring to an end the campaign of bombings and assassinations by the extreme right-wing Jewish underground led by the charismatic poet, Avraham Stern [Colin Firth]. The film culminates when the two policemen track Stern down to his apartment hide-out in Tel Aviv on Mizrachi Street in 1942." indie wire
W. E.
Wallis and Edward biopic to be directed by Madonna?
Pride and Prejudice remake?
Papercut productions will start filming this summer. PrideandPrejudice05 blog will have special updates
Jane Eyre (2011)- a new film to be directed by Cary Fukunaga with BBC Films. Previously Ellen Page was set to star but the latest news (from Variety) has Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) joining Michael Fassbender for the film. I just realized that I've seen Fassbender years ago in A Bear Named Winnie, the true story of the bear that inspired A.A. Milne's classic of Winnie the Pooh.
Centurion (2010)
"A splinter group of Roman soldiers fight for their lives behind enemy lines after their legion is decimated in a devastating guerrilla attack." JJ Feild, Dominic West, David Morrissey, Michael Fassbender, Olga Kurylenko.
Mildred Pierce
Kate Winslet to star in HBO's 5 hour miniseries remake.
Little War (?)
Kevin Costner to direct and star as a sheriff in WWII
Tim Burton to remake Sleeping Beauty?
Sounds like Burton's next film might focus on the evil fairy Maleficent.
Alias Grace (?)
Based on Margaret Atwood's novel based on true-life sensational case of Grace Marks in 1843 Canada. (Amazon.ca synopsis)
L'autre Dumas (2010)
Gerard Depardieu in a biopic of Alexandre Dumas, author of Count of Monte Cristo. Also featuring Benoît Poelvoorde (from Coco avant Chanel)
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
Teen flick about battle of the Gods. Features Sean Bean :)
Enchanted sequel?
Variety reports that plans are in the works for a sequel to the highly successful 'Enchanted' starring Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey. No word yet on cast or plotline.
Sinatra (2011)
Biopic of Frank Sinatra to be directed by Martin Scorcese. Rumored cast includes Leonarda Dicaprio, Scarlett Johannson, Adam Sandler, Clive Owen, Mark Ruffalo
This Beautiful Fantastic
Update: Felicity Jones, Rhys Ifans new cast? yet to be determined...
Originally: Carey Mulligan, Tom Wilkinson, Christopher Eccleston, Mackenzie Crook and Joanna Lumley. "A modern fairy tale in the vein of Amelie and Finding Neverland.” article here
untitled Viking film (2011)
Mel Gibson to direct. Leo Dicaprio to star. William Monahan to write the script.
Dracula: Year Zero
Sam Worthington the latest to hop on the monster bandwagon...
A Dangerous Method (2011) /previously title Talking Cure
Keira Knightley has been cast opposite Christoph Waltz (Freud) and Michael Fassbender (Jung) in film based on Christopher Hampton's play. To be directed by David Cronenberg. (source)
The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec (2010)
Set in 1912 Paris, based on a series of comic books.
A Passionate Woman (2010)
Based on Kay Mellor's novel set in '50s Britain. Starring Billie Piper, Sue Johnston, Alun Armstrong and Frances Barber (BBC One)
The Sinking of the Laconia (2010)
True story set during WW2 starring Andrew Buchan, Ken Duken, Brian Cox, Lindsay Duncan. (BBC Two)
The Secret Diaries of Anne Lister (2010)
19th century biopic starring Anna Madeley and Maxine Peake. (BBC Two)
Burns (2010)
Biopic of Robbie Burns, currently in pre-production, plans to star Gerard Butler (source Bookish Kind)
Pompeii (2011)
A dramatic thriller set against the backdrop of Mt. Vesuvius just before and during its eruption. Based on novel by Robert Harris.
Gulliver's Travels (2010)
Jack Black, Emily Blunt, Catherine Tate, Billy Connelly
Buccaneers
Heidi Thomas is said to be working on a film screenplay of Edith Wharton's novel for the BBC source
BBC is planning a biopic of Aung San Suu Kyi, winner of Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, still imprisoned under house arrest in Myanmar. Michelle Yeoh (Memoirs of a Geisha, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) is set to star.
Pride & Prejudice & Zombies (2011)
Seems official that Natalie Portman will be taking on the role of Elizabeth Bennett. Oh dear.
Far From the Madding Crowd (2010)
BBC Films has hired David Nichols to adapt Thomas Hardy's novel.
Swallows and Amazons (2010)
BBC Films is adapting the Arthur Ransome classic (read more here)
Peter Pan in Scarlet (2012)
BBC Films adapting the sequel written by Geraldine McCaughrean
Hallelujah
Stephen Fry writing screenplay for biopic of composer Handel for BBC Films
1776 (2011)
Tom Hanks who produced John Adams, is collaborating with HBO again to make 1776 based on David McCullough's book. source
The Bear and the Bow (2011)
Disney-Pixar film will feature the voices of Reese Witherspoon, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson and Julie Walters. (Pixar's first fairy tale, is a combination of writer Brenda Chapman's love of Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm)
Taj (2011)
Ben Kingsley portrays Shah Jahan who constructed the Taj Mahal for his favoured wife (Aishwarya Rai)
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (2011)
"A language kept a secret for a thousand years forms the backdrop for an unforgettable novel of two Chinese women whose friendship and love sustains them through their lives. This absorbing novel – with a storyline unlike anything Lisa See has written before – takes place in 19th century China when girls had their feet bound, then spent the rest of their lives in seclusion with only a single window from which to see..." (screenplay by Angela Workman) Found out from Lights, Camera, Historythat Hugh Jackman is now attached to project?
1421: The Year that China Discovered the World
-premise of the book by Gavin Menzies is that a Chinese fleet of explorers led by the Admiral Zheng traversed and mapped the world before the European Age of Discovery (screenplay by Angela Workman)
Still waiting to hear news of the Bronte project penned by Angela Workman to start production. It seems like another Bronte film directed by Dominic Murphy might be launched soon. This one seems to be catering to the Twilight crowd but I'm more interested in the Workman production which seems to be on hold.
Veer (2010)
The film, written by Salman Khan, is an epic love-war film set in 1875 when the British were ruling India.
Murder on the Orient Express
remake based on Agatha Christie's novel, starring David Suchet, Eileen Atkins, Hugh Bonneville, David Morrissey
King's Speech (2010)
Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush star in this royal biopic about King George V and his speech tutor during the time of the abdication of the throne. Also stars Jennifer Ehle, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon, Guy Pearce and Derek Jacobi
Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang (2010)
Emma Thompson resumes her role as McPhee, joined by Ralph Fiennes, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Maggie Smith, Rhys Ifans.
Coriolanus
Gerard Butler will star in Ralph Fiennes' directorial debut, a contemporary version of Shakespeare's Rome-set political and family drama. Also featuring: William Hurt, Eddie Marsan, Jessica Chastain and Vanessa Redgrave.
Emma and Nelson (2011)
-Julian Fellowes is working on a script for this 18th century biopic about Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton
(Variety)
Greek Fire (2011)
-biopic of Maria Callas,(opera singer, linked to Aristotle Onassis) with Eva Mendes rumored to star. Written by Julian Fellowes - Telegraph
Banking on Mr. Toad (2010)
-biopic of Kenneth Grahame (author of Wind in the Willows), set to star Ioan Gruffudd and Samantha Morton
Queen Kristina (2011)Sarah Polley will be portraying the "17th century Swedish queen who ascended to the throne at age six years and became an eccentric political and military leader who eventually abdicated her throne to pursue artistic and scientific interests. " To be co-produced by Canada and Sweden.
Dusty Springfield biopic?
I've heard that Keira Knightley, Nicole Kidman and singer Amy Winehouse are being considered to play 60's singer Dusty Springfield although earlier posts suggested that Kidman already had the role
Dr. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (2010)
based on book by Susanna Clarke, screenplay by Julian Fellowes - "tells the story of two feuding magicians who attempt to restore English magic in the age of Napoleon and combines the dark mythological fantasy of J.R.R. Tolkien with the social comedy of Jane Austen."
Excalibur (2012)
-still in early stage of talks with Warner Bros., Bryan Singer (director of X-men, Valkyrie) is tentatively on board to direct a remake of Excalibur, described as a more epic and fantasy version compared with the more earthy Clive Owen-starring "King Arthur" (The Hollywood Reporter)
Chasing Vermeer (2011)
-based on novel by Blue Balliett about sixth-graders who decipher clues to solve the theft of a Vermeer painting. To be directed by PJ Hogan. Brad Pitt is said to be the producer.
Airman
- Screenwriter Ann Peacock (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe)
-producers Robert Zemeckis, Jack Rapke and Steve Starkey (A Christmas Carol)
-Based on the book by Eoin Colfer, the swashbuckling scientific story centers on Conor Broekhart, a young man born in a hot air balloon to a family close to the king who has a penchant for looking to the skies for inspiration. After his tutor and king are murdered, Broekhart spends two years in prison, escapes and must decide whether to should turn his back on those who abandoned him or fight those who plot to overthrow the government. Set in 19th century.
Games of Thrones (2010)
"An adaptation of George R. R. Martin's epic fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire," in which kings, queens, knights and renegades use swords and magic to battle for the throne." (Starring Sean Bean...) Martin has more info on his own site, Not a Blog
Upstairs, Downstairs
- being remade for BBC, with Heidi Thomas as screenwriter. Jean Marsh will reprise her role and Eileen Atkins will be onscreen this time...
State of the Union
Richard Gere and Annette Bening will star opposite one another in a remake of Frank Capra's 1948 film starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn.
The Turn of the Screw
BBC is adapting Henry James' novel and setting it in the 1920's. Starring Michelle Dockery(Cranford 2), Sue Johnston (Bleak House) and Mark Umbers (Princes in the Tower)
The Conspirator (2010)
Directed by Robert Redford and starring James McAvoy and Robin Wright Penn. A period drama based on true events following the assassination of President Lincoln.
Royal Wedding
Jodie Whittaker (Cranford 2009, Tess of the d'urbervilles) will be starring in a film set in a Welsh village during the time of Charles and Di's wedding.
47 Ronin
Keanu Reeves in a true tale of a band of samurai swordsmen who avenged the death of their master in 18th century Japan.
Secretariat (2010)
Diane Lane stars as the owner of the record breaking horse.
Goree Girls
Jennifer Aniston is set to star in this biopic about a 1940's female country band in a Texan prison, who were eventually pardoned.
Agincourt
Bernard Cornwell's novel based on the battle of Henry V in 1415 is set to begin production in 2011.
The Greatest Showman on Earth
Hugh Jackman is lined up to play P.T.Barnum with suggestions that Anne Hathaway may also appear in this musical film.
Birdsong (2010)
Sebastian Faulks' bestselling WWI novel is being adapted starring Michael Fassbender.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Universal Pictures is hiring Marc Webb to direct a remake of the 1973 musical.
Barbaresque (2011)
Eric Bana set to star in this true story about a 16th century Ottoman admiral and cartographer.
Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Tim Burton and Johnny Depp will pair up for their 6th project together in a film that will combine live action and computer animation. Also featuring: Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Anne Hathaway, Stephen Fry, Timothy Spall, Lindsay Duncan and featuring Mia Wasikowska as Alice.see trailer, pics, costumes
Larklight (2010)
Shekhar Kapur (director of Elizabeth:Golden Age) is adapting Philip Reeve's novel about a Victorian-era alternate universe. [comingsoon.net]
The Special Relationship (2011)
A dramatization that traces former U.K. prime minister Tony Blair's relationships with Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Michael Sheen (Blair), Dennis Quaid (Clinton), Hope Davis (Hilary Clinton), Helen McCrory (Cherie Blair).
The Remains of the Day ....Just found out that the author of has given her blessing for it to be made into a musical...(article here)
Your Highness (2011)
"tale of two spoiled and arrogant princes in a medieval fantasy setting" starring Natalie Portman, James Franco, Danny McBride, Damian Lewis, Zooey Deschanel. Set in Belfast.
Cleo (2011)
- a musical retelling of Cleopatra set in the 1920's, directed by Steven Soderburgh, starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Ray Winstone as Julius Caesar. Hugh Jackman was in talks to play Mark Antony but apparently will not be doing the film. read more
Catalonia
Colin Firth and Kevin Spacey will star in film based on George Orwell's book. It revolves around the real-life story of how he and his wife Eileen traveled to Barcelona to fight Stalinism. There, Orwell joined the Anarchist brigade and fought in the Spanish Civil War.
Untitled Martin Luther King Project - A feature film is being planned by Steven Spielberg and Dreamworks although there appears to be legalities that remain to be ironed out for this to happen. Here's hoping they do! THR
Footloose (2010)
Update: Chace Crawford will not play the lead after casting conflict with his show. They are currently re-casting for the role.
Chace Crawford will play the role made famous by Kevin Bacon and Julianne Hough (Dancing with the Stars) has been cast. Updated: Kenny Ortega (High School Musicals) will no longer be directing after a difference of opinion with Paramount over the style of the film.
Dr. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (2010)
based on book by Susanna Clarke, screenplay by Julian Fellowes - "tells the story of two feuding magicians who attempt to restore English magic in the age of Napoleon and combines the dark mythological fantasy of J.R.R. Tolkien with the social comedy of Jane Austen."
Excalibur (2012)
-still in early stage of talks with Warner Bros., Bryan Singer (director of X-men, Valkyrie) is tentatively on board to direct a remake of Excalibur, described as a more epic and fantasy version compared with the more earthy Clive Owen-starring "King Arthur" (The Hollywood Reporter)
Chasing Vermeer (2011)
-based on novel by Blue Balliett about sixth-graders who decipher clues to solve the theft of a Vermeer painting. To be directed by PJ Hogan. Brad Pitt is said to be the producer.
Airman
- Screenwriter Ann Peacock (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe)
-producers Robert Zemeckis, Jack Rapke and Steve Starkey (A Christmas Carol)
-Based on the book by Eoin Colfer, the swashbuckling scientific story centers on Conor Broekhart, a young man born in a hot air balloon to a family close to the king who has a penchant for looking to the skies for inspiration. After his tutor and king are murdered, Broekhart spends two years in prison, escapes and must decide whether to should turn his back on those who abandoned him or fight those who plot to overthrow the government. Set in 19th century.
Games of Thrones (2010)
"An adaptation of George R. R. Martin's epic fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire," in which kings, queens, knights and renegades use swords and magic to battle for the throne." (Starring Sean Bean...) Martin has more info on his own site, Not a Blog
Upstairs, Downstairs
- being remade for BBC, with Heidi Thomas as screenwriter. Jean Marsh will reprise her role and Eileen Atkins will be onscreen this time...
State of the Union
Richard Gere and Annette Bening will star opposite one another in a remake of Frank Capra's 1948 film starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn.
The Turn of the Screw
BBC is adapting Henry James' novel and setting it in the 1920's. Starring Michelle Dockery(Cranford 2), Sue Johnston (Bleak House) and Mark Umbers (Princes in the Tower)
The Conspirator (2010)
Directed by Robert Redford and starring James McAvoy and Robin Wright Penn. A period drama based on true events following the assassination of President Lincoln.
Royal Wedding
Jodie Whittaker (Cranford 2009, Tess of the d'urbervilles) will be starring in a film set in a Welsh village during the time of Charles and Di's wedding.
47 Ronin
Keanu Reeves in a true tale of a band of samurai swordsmen who avenged the death of their master in 18th century Japan.
Secretariat (2010)
Diane Lane stars as the owner of the record breaking horse.
Goree Girls
Jennifer Aniston is set to star in this biopic about a 1940's female country band in a Texan prison, who were eventually pardoned.
Agincourt
Bernard Cornwell's novel based on the battle of Henry V in 1415 is set to begin production in 2011.
The Greatest Showman on Earth
Hugh Jackman is lined up to play P.T.Barnum with suggestions that Anne Hathaway may also appear in this musical film.
Birdsong (2010)
Sebastian Faulks' bestselling WWI novel is being adapted starring Michael Fassbender.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Universal Pictures is hiring Marc Webb to direct a remake of the 1973 musical.
Barbaresque (2011)
Eric Bana set to star in this true story about a 16th century Ottoman admiral and cartographer.
Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Tim Burton and Johnny Depp will pair up for their 6th project together in a film that will combine live action and computer animation. Also featuring: Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Anne Hathaway, Stephen Fry, Timothy Spall, Lindsay Duncan and featuring Mia Wasikowska as Alice.see trailer, pics, costumes
Larklight (2010)
Shekhar Kapur (director of Elizabeth:Golden Age) is adapting Philip Reeve's novel about a Victorian-era alternate universe. [comingsoon.net]
The Special Relationship (2011)
A dramatization that traces former U.K. prime minister Tony Blair's relationships with Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Michael Sheen (Blair), Dennis Quaid (Clinton), Hope Davis (Hilary Clinton), Helen McCrory (Cherie Blair).
The Remains of the Day ....Just found out that the author of has given her blessing for it to be made into a musical...(article here)
Your Highness (2011)
"tale of two spoiled and arrogant princes in a medieval fantasy setting" starring Natalie Portman, James Franco, Danny McBride, Damian Lewis, Zooey Deschanel. Set in Belfast.
Cleo (2011)
- a musical retelling of Cleopatra set in the 1920's, directed by Steven Soderburgh, starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Ray Winstone as Julius Caesar. Hugh Jackman was in talks to play Mark Antony but apparently will not be doing the film. read more
Catalonia
Colin Firth and Kevin Spacey will star in film based on George Orwell's book. It revolves around the real-life story of how he and his wife Eileen traveled to Barcelona to fight Stalinism. There, Orwell joined the Anarchist brigade and fought in the Spanish Civil War.
Untitled Martin Luther King Project - A feature film is being planned by Steven Spielberg and Dreamworks although there appears to be legalities that remain to be ironed out for this to happen. Here's hoping they do! THR
Footloose (2010)
Update: Chace Crawford will not play the lead after casting conflict with his show. They are currently re-casting for the role.
Chace Crawford will play the role made famous by Kevin Bacon and Julianne Hough (Dancing with the Stars) has been cast. Updated: Kenny Ortega (High School Musicals) will no longer be directing after a difference of opinion with Paramount over the style of the film.
William Tell: The Legend
Jim Cavaziel will star in this "fact-based retelling of the medieval legend"
Unbound Captives
Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz and Robert Pattinson will star in the period drama Unbound Captives, with Madeleine Stowe making her directorial debut from a script she wrote, reports Variety. Wiesz plays a woman whose husband is killed and her two children kidnapped by a Comanche war party in 1859. She is rescued by a frontiersman, to be played by Jackman. Pattinson will play the son.
Untitled Bronte project
"about the relationships between the four Bronte children and Angria the miniature fictional children's world that they created," (source: THR) Note: this is a different film than the Bronte biopic written by Angela Workman.
Brontë (?)
The Bounty
screenplay by Paula Milne (Virgin Queen, Out of Africa) and based on The True Story of The Mutiny on the Bounty by Caroline Alexander.
Goodbye Christopher Robin
1920's England... inspired by true events, the story of author AA Milne and his son and how the success of Winnie the Pooh affected their family. Produced by Simon Vaughan who also produced A Bear Named Winnie
Dawn of War (2010)
The battles of Greek warrior Theseus starring Henry Cavill.
Jim Cavaziel will star in this "fact-based retelling of the medieval legend"
Unbound Captives
Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz and Robert Pattinson will star in the period drama Unbound Captives, with Madeleine Stowe making her directorial debut from a script she wrote, reports Variety. Wiesz plays a woman whose husband is killed and her two children kidnapped by a Comanche war party in 1859. She is rescued by a frontiersman, to be played by Jackman. Pattinson will play the son.
Untitled Bronte project
"about the relationships between the four Bronte children and Angria the miniature fictional children's world that they created," (source: THR) Note: this is a different film than the Bronte biopic written by Angela Workman.
Brontë (?)
biography of the famous sisters. Official movie site here but production is on hold
The Bounty
screenplay by Paula Milne (Virgin Queen, Out of Africa) and based on The True Story of The Mutiny on the Bounty by Caroline Alexander.
Goodbye Christopher Robin
1920's England... inspired by true events, the story of author AA Milne and his son and how the success of Winnie the Pooh affected their family. Produced by Simon Vaughan who also produced A Bear Named Winnie
Dawn of War (2010)
The battles of Greek warrior Theseus starring Henry Cavill.
Myth of Perseus starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Sam Worthington, Hans Matheson...
Never Let Me Go (2010)
Not a period drama but features Kiera Knightley, Carey Mulligan, Sally Hawkins and Charlotte Rampling. Based on novel (shortlisted for the Booker prize) by Kazuo Ishiguro who also wrote Remains of the Day.
The Beautiful and the Damned (2010)
"The true story of Zelda Fitzgerald (and her famous husband Scott), the Jazz Age icons who lived large, soared high and crashed very hard." Kiera Knightley is slated to play Zelda.
Middlemarch (2011)
No news yet for who's being cast in this feature film remake directed by Sam Mendes. Andrew Davies is rewriting the screenplay. article here - June 20
Eagle of the Ninth (2010)
Set in the 2nd century about a wounded Roman solider and his Celtic slave who investigate the mysterious disappearance of a brigade of Roman soldiers 15 years earlier. Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell
The Three Stooges (2010)
Sean Penn, Jim Carrey, Benicio Del Toro
Boone's Lick (2010)
Based on a novel by Larry Mcmurtry (author of Lonesome Dove), Cecil (Tom Hanks) is the brother-in-law who escorts Mary Margaret (Julianne Moore) on a journey to Wyoming set in post-Civil War.
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt (2010)
I know that Martin Scorcese loves Leo Dicaprio but I have a hard time imagining "Jack Dawson" as Theodore. It's piqued my curiosity.
Silence (2011)
In the 17th century two Jesuit priests face violence and persecution when they travel to Japan to locate their mentor and to spread the gospel of Christianity. Starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Benicio Del Toro. Directed by Martin Scorcese.
Outlander
The successful time travel series set in Scotland and written by Diana Gabaldon is in development. Randall Wallace (who wrote both BRAVEHEART and PEARL HARBOR) is doing the screenplay. Read more at Gabaldon's site.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
For fans of fantasy: Based on the video game, which follows an adventurous prince who teams up with a rival princess to stop an angry ruler from unleashing a sandstorm that could destroy the world. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kinglsey and Alfred Molina. view video
Ironclad (2010)
In 13th century a determined group of Knights Templar defends Rochester Castle against the tyrannical King John. Paul Giamatti, Colm Meaney, Richard Attenborough, William Mosely, Pete Postlethwaite and James Purefoy are speculated to be cast.
Mary, Mother of Christ (2010)
Camilla Belle will star as Mary and will be joined by Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the dual roles of Gabriel and Lucifer and Peter O'Toole as Symeon. Al Pacino and Jessica Lange are in talks to play Herod and Anna the Prophetess.
Black Death (2010)
"Set during the time of the first outbreak of bubonic plague in England, a young monk is tasked with learning the truth about reports of people being brought back to life in a small village." Set to star are Sean Bean, Rupert Friend and Famke Janssen. [IMDb lists both Eddie Redmayne and Rupert Friend as Osmund?]
2 Movies of the same Shakespeare tragedy...
King Lear (2010 I/II)
Starring Anthony Hopkins as the king with his daughters played by Gwyneth Paltrow, Kiera Knightley and Naomi Watts.
Another King Lear (2010) is in the works starring Al Pacino in the lead. (Variety)
2 Movies about Napoleon...
Napoleon and Betsy (2010)
"Harry Potter" heroine Emma Watson is set to star in the period romance "Napoleon and Betsy," replacing Scarlett Johansson who was deemed too old for the role. Johansson will still be producing the film.
Betsy and the Emperor (2010)
Al Pacino as Napoleon. read more
Starring Anthony Hopkins as the king with his daughters played by Gwyneth Paltrow, Kiera Knightley and Naomi Watts.
Another King Lear (2010) is in the works starring Al Pacino in the lead. (Variety)
2 Movies about Napoleon...
Napoleon and Betsy (2010)
"Harry Potter" heroine Emma Watson is set to star in the period romance "Napoleon and Betsy," replacing Scarlett Johansson who was deemed too old for the role. Johansson will still be producing the film.
Betsy and the Emperor (2010)
Al Pacino as Napoleon. read more
Gnomeo and Juliet (2010)
Emily Blunt and James McEvoy will provide the voices to this animated musical with music by Elton John.
Emily Blunt and James McEvoy will provide the voices to this animated musical with music by Elton John.
The Tempest (2010)
The gender of Prospero has been switched to Prospera in this adaptation starring: Helen Mirren, Alan Cumming, Alfred Molina, David Strathairn, Chris Cooper, Ben Whishaw, Felicity Jones and Tom Conti.
A Woman of No Importance (2011)
Amanda Seyfried, Sean Bean and Annette Bening are set to star in this Oscar Wilde adaptation. Lindsay Lohan was set to star, who was replaced by Jessica Biel and now replaced by Sienna Miller and.....now Amanda Seyfried. Sounds like it's of no importance who will portray the woman of no importance??
North of Cheyenne (2011)
Cate Blanchett is rumored to star in this adaptation of a Thomas Hardy's "Far from the Madding Crowd".
My Fair Lady (2012)
Cate Blanchett is rumored to star in this adaptation of a Thomas Hardy's "Far from the Madding Crowd".
The Box of Delights (2011)
Based on John Masefield's 1930's children's novel which follows a boy who receives a magic box allowing him to travel through time. [source]
Based on John Masefield's 1930's children's novel which follows a boy who receives a magic box allowing him to travel through time. [source]
My Fair Lady (2012)
tag: "upcoming period movie", "upcoming period film", "recent period movie", "latest period movie", "new period movie to be released"