Films So Good

MASTERPIECE on PBS and Mammoth Screen have announced an exciting new series adaptation of “The Forsyte Saga.” The series, set to be a returning show, will begin with a six-episode first season that takes place in 1880s London. It will explore the complex lives of the affluent Forsyte family, who run the stockbroking firm Forsyte & Co., delving into themes of love, loyalty, ambition, and betrayal. This adaptation is based on John Galsworthy’s Nobel Prize-winning work and reunites screenwriter Debbie Horsfield with Mammoth Screen, following their global success with “Poldark.”

The cast is led by strong performers including BAFTA winner Francesca Annis, Eleanor Tomlinson (Poldark) Tuppence Middleton (War & Peace) and rising star Millie Gibson (Doctor Who). The ensemble also features Jack Davenport, Tom Durant Pritchard, Jamie Flatters, Danny Griffin, Susan Hampshire, Owen Igiehon, Stephen Moyer, Joshua Orpin, and Josette Simon.

Francesca Annis takes on the role of Ann, the Forsyte matriarch, with Stephen Moyer playing her eldest son Jolyon and Jack Davenport as her younger son James. Danny Griffin portrays Jolyon’s son Jo, Tuppence Middleton is Jo’s wife Frances, and Joshua Orpin plays Soames, James’ son. Eleanor Tomlinson appears as Louisa Byrne, a Soho dressmaker and Jo’s first love; Millie Gibson is Irene, the dancer who captures Soames’ heart; Josette Simon acts as Mrs. Ellen Parker Barrington, a wealthy heiress and friend to the Forsyte family; and Tom Durant Pritchard plays Monty Dartie, James’ son-in-law. Susan Hampshire, who starred in the iconic 1967 BBC adaptation of “The Forsyte Saga,” returns in this new version. As we consider the diverse and complex cast of characters, the series is perfectly positioned for multiple seasons.

“The Forsyte Saga” is being directed by Meenu Gaur, known for “Murder Is Easy,” and Annetta Laufer, who directed “Get Millie Black.” The series is produced by Sarah Lewis, notable for “The Long Shadow.” Filming is set to begin in May 2024 at various locations across England, Wales, and Italy.

The story of “The Forsyte Saga” has been brought to screens before, including a Hollywood film in 1949, and television adaptations in 1967 and 2002. The 2002 adaptation aired on MASTERPIECE on PBS and featured Damien Lewis, Gina McKee, Rupert Graves, and Ben Miles in leading roles.

The photos are from the official announcement by the PBS.

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