Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, Susanna Clarke’s 2004 historical fantasy, has been acquired by the BBC for development as a future miniseries.
The BBC has announced its intentions to produce a miniseries based on Susanna Clarke’s mammoth fantasy novel, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. The adaptation will broadcast on BBC One, and will be directed by Toby Haynes, previously of such prominent productions as the BBC’s Sherlock and Doctor Who. Peter Harness will write the adapted script.
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell tells the long and complex story of two intermittently rivaling magicians in an academically magical 19th century England. Gilbert Norrell, elderly, reclusive and somewhat rigid-minded is the first – and only – practical magician in England, until he is somewhat shockingly joined by the charming, youthful and alarmingly skilled Jonathan Strange. Vastly different, the two magicians are compelled to cooperate under the force of Napoleon’s threat to England. Eventually, however, their magical philosophies prove significant at odds, and Norrell and Strange find themselves on opposite sides of dangerous magical, political, and highly personal divides.
Published in 2004, the novel – a twelve-year labor for author Susanna Clarke – was Time Magazine’s Book of the Year, a New York Times best-seller, and winner of both the Hugo and World Fantasy Awards. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell was originally optioned by New Line Cinemas, but that attempt at adaptation has apparently not survived New Line’s merger with Warner Bros.
No air date or casting has currently been announced for Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, but Hypable will keep you updated with any upcoming developments.
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