A new television adaptation of Henry James’ “Portrait of a Lady” is in the works. As Variety reports, Number 9 Films, one of the producers of “Carol,” is teaming up with Red Production Company for the project.
James’ novel, according to Variety’s description, “centers on Isabel Archer, a vivacious New World ingénue, who leaves America for Old World Europe, keen to experience all that life has to offer. She rejects a series of marriage proposals from eager but safe lovers for a life of independence, but when she inherits an unexpected fortune that will grant her desires, she falls prey to two American ex-pat schemers, the elegant Madame Merle and the charming but cruel and calculating Gilbert Osmond, and is lured into a marriage with unfortunate consequences.”
Number 9’s Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley will executive produce along with Red Film’s Nicola Shindler.
“We believe we share a sensibility with Nicola of being drawn towards material with complex and compelling female lead characters, which is one of the defining elements of ‘Portrait of a Lady,’” said Karlsen.
“Having been originally published as a monthly serial, and addressing themes of personal freedom, betrayal and modernization, Henry James’ ‘Portrait of a Lady’ lends itself perfectly to the long-form storytelling that only TV can offer,” Shindler added.
The 1996 film adaptation of “Portrait of a Lady” starred Nicole Kidman and was directed by Jane Campion. The two are teaming up again for the second season of “Top of the Lake.”
