Idris Elba to direct, produce, and star in Netflix's adaptation of 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'
Idris Elba is a man of many talents. The actor, musician, and DJ recently made his first foray into direction with a movie adaptation of Victor Headley's 1992 novel, 'Yardie,' which premiered at this year's Sundance festival. According to Hollywood Reporter, Elba is now set to act in, direct, and produce a modern-day adaptation of Victor Hugo's 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' for Netflix.
The story revolves around Quasimodo, the hunchback, and his doomed romance with the gypsy Esmerelda, a beautiful woman who has already won the hearts of many men. The 1831 book was last seen on the big screen with Disney's 1996 animated feature of the same name. The latest adaptation will see the Golden Globe-winning actor play Quasimodo.
The project will be produced under the banner of Elba's Green Door Productions, with the actor also set to compose original music for the film. Described as a 'sonic and musical' experience, the script for it will be penned by Harvard and Yale alum Michael Mitnick, who also wrote 'The Current War' and 'The Giver.' Fred Berger (La La Land) and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones (Midnight Special) will produce for Automatik, along with Green Door's Ana Garanito and Elba himself.
Elba most recently starred in romantic survival drama film 'The Mountain Between Us' in 2017 and is currently said to be busy filming the last season of acclaimed British crime drama 'Luther,' where he plays the titular character of DCI John Luther.
The actor will also be busy with another Netflix series 'Turn up Charlie.' The comedy series will be co-created by Elba and Gary Reich (Uncle David, Nark), with Elba in the leading role as Charlie, a struggling DJ and bachelor who's given a final chance at success when he reluctantly agrees to become a "manny" to his famous best friend's problem-child daughter.