The rebooted story of Detective Jane Tennison now has Masterpiece on board. Masterpiece will co-produce the “Prime Suspect” prequel “Prime Suspect: Tennison,” alongside ITV Studios and NoHo Film & Television, Deadline reports.
“Prime Suspect” debuted in 1991. Lynda LaPlante created the series, which starred Oscar winner Helen Mirren as Tennison. The “Prime Suspect” role made her a household name. LaPlante also created “Tennison.”
As Women and Hollywood previously reported, Stefanie Martini (“Doctor Thorne”) is taking over the role of Tennison for the prequel, which will follow the character as a 22-year-old probationary officer in 1970s London, starting out in “an environment where chauvinism and rule-bending are the norm.”
As Deadline writes, “Tennison” begins as its eponymous character is “thrown into a brutal murder inquiry, witnessing first-hand the devastating effect of violent crime, and experiencing tragic ramifications herself. Immersed in the music, fashion and politics that defined a generation, the series follows her as she establishes herself in a workplace dominated by men.”
LaPlante won an Edgar for Best TV Feature or Miniseries in 1993 for the original series, which also won a Peabody, three Emmys, and several BAFTAs, including three for Mirren.