Around the World in 80 Days was originally published by the French Writer Jules Verne in 1872, and tells the story of Phileas Fogg and his French valet Passeportout as they seek to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days in order to win a very large sum of money. The novel has inspired countless adaptations from film to radio, and it has been announced a TV adaptation is on its way starring David Tennant.
Best known for his roles in Doctor Who and Broadchurch, Tennant is now set to star in an eight-part adaptation of Verne’s novel which is produced by Slim Film + Television. As Deadline reports, the role of Passeportout will be played by the up-and-coming French actor Ibrahim Koma and Leonie Benesch will play the aspiring journalist Abigail Fix, who’s eager to document Fogg’s amazing journey.
The show has been adapted by writers including Ashley Pharoah (Life on Mars) and Caleb Ranson (Child of Mine). Filming is scheduled to begin in February 2020 and will be shot primarily in South Africa and Romania. It is expected to hit TVs in late 2020 via the BBC in the UK.
Executive producer Simon Crawford Collins said: “We are thrilled to have such a talent as David to play this modern take on the iconic role of Phileas Fogg. Bigger than the hair-raising physical challenges of the adventure – from the scorching heat of the desert to skulduggery in Hong Kong and of course strikes in Paris – will be Fogg’s personal journey. I’m excited that viewers will also have the pleasure of watching the extraordinary talents of Leonie and Ibrahim in the roles of Fix and Passepartout, as they travel around the world. The series is full of adrenaline, heart and of course lots of fun, thanks to Ashley and our talented writing team. Viewers are in for something really special.”
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