The BBC has confirmed a new period drama series, The Portrait of a Lady, based on Henry James' classic 1881 novel. The six-episode limited series is set to appeal to fans of Downton Abbey, featuring a star-studded cast including Gemma Arterton, Bill Nighy, and Miranda Richardson.
Cast and Characters
Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in Servant, stars as Isabel Archer, a vivacious young American who travels to Europe. The synopsis describes her as "a charming young woman with an innate wildness and a burning desire to be independent." Isabel rejects several marriage proposals but falls prey to scheming ex-pats after inheriting a fortune.
Gemma Arterton, a BAFTA nominee, plays the elegant Madame Merle, while Jim Sturgess portrays the charming but calculating Gilbert Osmond. Bill Nighy, an Oscar nominee and BAFTA winner, plays Mr. Touchett, who is enamored with Isabel's spirit. Miranda Richardson, also an Oscar nominee and BAFTA winner, plays Mrs. Touchett, Isabel's "fantastically eccentric aunt" who takes her to Europe to find a husband.
Additional Cast and Production
Other cast members include Jack Wolfe as Ralph Touchett, Calypso Cragg as Pansy Osmond, Maisie Richardson-Sellers as Henrietta Stackpole, and Hugh Skinner as Lord Warburton. Hamish Frew, Thomas Coombes, Lydia Leonard, and Dean-Charles Chapman from Game of Thrones also appear. Filming is taking place in the UK, Hungary, and Croatia.
Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen of Number 9 Films TV said: "We are so pleased to be finally making this Henry James classic, which was far ahead of its time, with our friends at Masterpiece and the BBC." They added: "We find it astonishing that James’ prescient story has not been made for television for nearly 60 years, but like all great things, it will definitely be worth the wait."
Broadcast Details
Sue Deeks, head of scripted pre-buy acquisitions at the BBC, commented: "We are so delighted to be involved in what I have no doubt, given the outstanding talent involved, will be a truly exceptional production of Henry James’ masterpiece."
The Portrait of a Lady will premiere on Masterpiece on PBS, streaming on the PBS app and PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video in the US and Canada, and on iPlayer and BBC One in the UK.
