'The War of the Worlds': Release date, plot, cast, news and everything you need to know about the new adaptation of HG Well's novel
The three-part drama produced by Mammoth Screen for the BBC is an adaptation of HG Wells' sci-fi novel 'The War of the Worlds'. The series follows George (Rafe Spall) and his partner Amy (Eleanor Tomlinson), who build a life together despite the society's refusal to accept their love. The story is set in the backdrop of the first alien invasion in literature history.
"HG Wells' seminal novel has been adapted for the screen many times but it's always had a contemporary (and American) setting, this is the first version to be set in London and the Home Counties during the Edwardian period. Peter's scripts manage to honor the source material with great skill, but we aim to provide a thoroughly modern thrill ride for the audience, delivering an alien invasion story that will shock and awe audiences across the globe," BBC quotes the series director Craig Viveiros as saying.
Possibly the most popular adaptation of the book series is the 2005 flick 'War of the Worlds' starring Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning, but the BBC miniseries is sure to give it a run for its money.
Release date
The filming for 'The War of the Worlds' began in Liverpool in April 2018, and the show is expected to be released in the latter half of 2019.
Plot
According to the books, Aliens from Mars plot an invasion on Earth as their resources start depleting. The "vital, intense, inhuman, crippled and monstrous" Martians come in anything but peace. After some tussle and resistance, they make the shattered Earth their home.
Set in 1890s' Edwardian England, the new adaptation of Wells' 'The War of the Worlds' follows George and Amy as they attempt to defy society and start a life together in the wake of an alien invasion, despite the threat from enemies beyond their worst nightmares.
Damien Timmer, the Executive Producer of Mammoth Screen, said regarding the new production: "Here we are, making the original and best alien invasion story for the BBC One audience — it doesn't get much better than this! With a stellar cast and some very scary Martians up our sleeve, we look forward to terrifying large sections of the audience soon!"
Cast
While Spall, best known for his roles in 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' and 'The Big Short' helms the BBC project as the protagonist George, his better half and the co-captain of the ship is Eleanor Tomlinson who plays Amy.
Tomlinson, best known for her roles in 'Poldark' and 'Loving Vincent' said, "I'm delighted to be taking on the Martians with Rafe Spall in Mammoth Screen's adaptation of 'The War Of The Worlds'. I’ve been a fan of Craig Viveiros' work for a while, so creating this world with him at the helm is very exciting." Spall also seemed to be share similar sentiments.
Rupert Graves portrays Frederick, George's elder brother, and Robert Carlyle plays Ogilvy, an astronomer, and scientist who will be pertinent to the alien invasion story.
Writer
English playwright, screenwriter, and actor Peter Harness penned this ambitious project. Having contributed to projects such as 'McMafia', 'City of Vice' and 'Case Histories', Harness has proved to be great at his craft.
On being a part of this project, he said, "The version of 'The War of the Worlds' that I wanted to make is one that's faithful to the tone and the spirit of the book, but which also feels contemporary, surprising and full of shocks: a collision of sci-fi, period drama, and horror. There is nothing cosy or predictable about Wells' novel, and that's what I want to capture in the show. We have an incredible cast, a brilliant director and a wonderful crew — and I can’t wait for them to explore the terrifying story of the first alien invasion on to our screens."
Where to watch
When the miniseries premieres, you can watch it on BBC One.
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