BBC Two’s long-awaited Eleanor Catton adaptation has finally found its stars. Deadline reports that “Penny Dreadful’s” Eva Green and Eve Hewson (“Bridge of Spies”) have signed on to star alongside Marton Csokas (“Lord of the Rings”) in “The Luminaries.”
Based on her 2013 Man Booker Prize winner of the same name, Catton’s screenplay depicts the “love, murder, and revenge” that accompanied New Zealand’s 19th-century gold rush. After sailing from Britain to New Zealand’s South Island, adventurous Anna Wetherell (Hewson) meets and falls for Emery Staines. Though their connection is instant, the surrounding environment saturated with violence and greed threatens to tear them apart.
Claire McCarthy is set to direct. “Ever since I read Eleanor’s incredible novel I’ve been completely captivated by the rich world she has created,” she said. “What an honor to bring this beautiful and original work to the screen. I’m delighted to be joining forces with such wonderful actors and dynamic creative team.”
McCarthy directed Naomi Watts and Daisy Ridley in the Semi Chellas-penned “Ophelia.” Adapted from Lisa Klein’s book of the same name, “Ophelia” is a reimagining of “Hamlet” told from Ophelia’s perspective. McCarthy’s forthcoming mother-daughter drama will shoot in 2019. Written by Jenny Halper, “Burning Season” also stars Watts, this time alongside “It” and “Sharp Objects” breakout Sophia Lillis.
Green received a Golden Globe nod for her work in “Penny Dreadful.” Her forthcoming credits include Disney’s live-action “Dumbo” and Alice Winocour’s “Proxima,” which follows an astronaut preparing for a long-term mission aboard the International Space Station.
Hewson has appeared in “Enough Said,” TV series “The Knick,” and Rebecca Addelman’s “Paper Year.” She plays Maid Marion in Otto Bathurst’s “Robin Hood,” which hits theaters in November.
“The Luminaries” will begin filming in New Zealand sometime this fall.
