“Agent Carter” star Hayley Atwell has found her next role in Kenneth Lonergan’s TV reworking of “Howards End.” The series will see Starz and BBC join up to produce the four-part mini series.
Atwell will play Marget Schlegel and line up alongside Matthew Macfayden (“Ripper Street“) and Tracey Ullman (“Into the Woods“) who have also signed on to the project. The drama is set to be directed by TV veteran Hettie Macdonald (“Fortitude,” “Doctor Who“).
Filming in London, the series will delve into the social and class divisions in early 20th century England through the intersection of three families – the wealthy Wilcoxes, the gentle and idealistic Schlegels and the lower-middle class Basts. Macfayden will play Henry Wilcox whilst Ullman is set to portray Aunt Juley Mund.
The news comes fresh off the back of Kenneth Lonergan’s triumphant “Manchester by the Sea“, which is up for best picture in this years Academy Awards, whilst he himself is nominated for best directing and best original screenplay. The four-piece series is based on E.M Fosters 1910 novel and was adapted for the big screen in 1992. The film — which received three Oscars — starred Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Helen Bonham Carter and Emma Thompson, who won an award for best actress.
The show will premiere on BBC in England and Starz in the USA. [THR]