Masterpiece On PBS And The BBC Announce The Portrait Of A Lady TV Series

Masterpiece On PBS and The BBC have announced a new series based off of a classic novel. 

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PBS’ Masterpiece and The BBC have ordered a co-commissioned series of Henry James’ classic novel, The Portrait Of A Lady. This series will be executive produced by BAFTA Award Winners Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen for Number 9 Films TV in partnership with German-based Beta Film GmbH and Fox Entertainment Global. Meanwhile, Richard Tulk-Hart is the show’s Co-Executive Producer, and Rhonda Smith is the series producer. Rebecca Lenkiewicz will be adapting the book for the series, while Aisling Walsh will be directing.  

The show’s cast was also announced, and if you are a fan of British TV or Powerhouse Cinema, then you will recognize the cast. The show’s all-star talented cast includes:

• Nell Tiger Free (The First Omen & Servant) As Isabel Archer 
• Gemma Arterton (Secret Service & Their Finest) As Madame Merle 
• Jim Sturgess (Mix Tape & One Day) As Gilbert Osmond 
• Oscar-Nominee And BAFTA Winner Bill Nighy (Joy & Living) As Mr. Touchett 
• Oscar-Nominee And BAFTA Winner Miranda Richardson (The Last Anniversary & Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire) As Mrs. Touchett 
• Jack Wolfe (Shadow and Bone & Ancestors) As Ralph Touchett 
• Calypso Cragg (An American in Austen & Switch) As Pansy Osmond 
• Maisie Richardson-Sellers (Nine Perfect Strangers & Insidious: Out Of The Further) As Henrietta Stackpole 
• Hugh Skinner (Two Weeks in August & Twenty Twenty Six) As Lord Warburton 
• Hamish Frew (Dear England & The Girlfriend) As Casper Goodwood 
• Thomas Coombes (The Agency & Legends) As Mr Bantling 
• Lydia Leonard (A Woman of Substance & Secret Service) As Countess Gemini 
• Dean-Charles Chapman (1917 & Game Of Thrones) As Edward Rosier

Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen had this to say about the new series: 

“We are so pleased to be finally making this Henry James classic, which was far ahead of its time, with our friends at Materpiece and the BBC. It’s wonderful to be reunited with Rebecca Lenkiewicz who we worked closely with on Colette and The Salt Path and to work with Aisling Walsh, whom we’ve admired from afar for many years. 

It’s also wonderful that we can reunite with some of the actors that we know so well from our movies in our first TV show; Bill Nighy, Gemma Arterton, and Miranda Richardson. We’re excited to see Nell Tiger Free in the iconic role of Isabel Archer and Jim Sturgess in the equally iconic role of Gilbert Osmond. We find it astonishing that James’ prescient story has not been made for television for nearly 60 years, but like all great things, it will definitely be worth the wait.” 

Meanwhile, Masterpiece’s Head Of Scripted Content And Executive Producer, Susanne Simpson, mentioned: 

“The caliber of talent behind this series is exceptional. It is a special pleasure to be working with Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen, who are remarkable award-winning filmmakers, and with writer Rebecca Lenkiewicz, whose scripts are as beautiful as they are insightful. 

Director Aisling Walsh has brought together a stellar cast led by Nell Tiger Free, Gemma Arterton, and Jim Sturgess. They will all bring the nuance and beauty of Henry James’ story to the screen in an unforgettable piece of television.” 

The BBC’s Head Of Scripted Pre-Buy Acquisitions, Sue Deeks, noted: 

“We are so delighted to be involved in what I have no doubt, given the outstanding talent involved, will be a truly exceptional production of Henry James’ masterpiece.” 

Finally, Fox Entertainment Global’s President, Prentiss Fraser, said: 

“Our collaboration with the BBC, Masterpiece and Number 9 Films TV on The Portrait of a Lady brings together an extraordinary creative team and world-class cast to reimagine one of literature’s most enduring stories for a global audience. It reflects the kind of exceptional premium storytelling we’re building across FOX’s growing portfolio and reinforces our focus on partnering with the industry’s most talented creative voices.” 

The series has commenced filming, and will be filmed across the UK, Hungary & Croatia. The show is due out sometime in 2027 & will premiere on Masterpiece On PBS in the US & Canada, and BBC One & BBC iPlayer in the UK.