Irish actor Colin Farrell (‘The Lobster’, ‘In Bruges’) will star in BBC Two’s new thriller ‘The North Water.’
Directed by BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Andrew Haigh (‘45 Years’), the four-part series is based on Ian McGuire’s novel, which is being adapted by Haigh and produced by See-Saw Films for BBC Two.
Set in the U.K. and in the Arctic wasteland in the late 1850s, ‘The North Water’ tells the story of Patrick Sumner, a disgraced ex-army surgeon who signs up as ship’s doctor on a whaling expedition to the Arctic in search of redemption. But he finds himself instead on an ill-fated journey with Henry Drax (Farrell), a psychopath he meets on board.
Speaking about Farrell’s casting with Variety, Director Andrew Haigh said:
“Casting the right leads is the most important part of any project, and I’m thrilled to have Colin Farrell on board. I am a huge admirer of his work and can’t wait to see him bring Drax vividly to life.”
The film has been described as “a thriller, a survival adventure, and searing study of character and man’s place in the world,” by See-Saw Films’ COO Hakan Kousetta and Head of Television Jamie Laurenson. The novel, from which the screenplay was adapted, was long-listed for the Man Booker Prize and named a New York Times Book Review editors’ choice.
The Dublin-born actor recently starred in Steve McQueen’s ‘Widows’, which was also produced by See-Saw Films, whose other credits include Jane Campion’s ‘Top of the Lake’ series.
The show will be executive produced by See-Saw Films’ Jamie Laurenson and Hakan Kousetta, alongside Emile Sherman and Iain Canning. Lucy Richer for the BBC and Niv Fichman for Rhombus Media will also exec produce, while Kate Ogborn will produce for See-Saw. ‘The North Water’ is a co-production with Rhombus Media.
‘The North Water’ is represented by BBC Studios internationally. Piers Wenger, controller of BBC Drama and Patrick Holland, controller of BBC Two commissioned the series, which is expected to begin filming this autumn.
Other projects that Farrell will feature in include Guy Ritchie’s crime-drama ‘Toff Guys’, Voltage Pictures’ drama ‘Eve’ and the new three-part animated VR series ‘Gloomy Eyes’, which he will narrate.
Farrell can next be seen in Irish cinemas in Tim Burton’s ‘Dumbo’ remake, which will see the Irish actor take on the role of Holt Farrier in the Disney production. Set to release on March 29th.
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