‘Downton Abbey’ series creator Julian Fellowes puts forth a new primetime mini-series for North America as recently licensed by Hat Trick International to the Weinstein Company.
‘Doctor Thorne,’ which will be launched at the MIPCOM 2015, is a one-hour period drama comprised of three episodes and is drawn out from the famous novel by Anthony Trollope.
Aside from Fellowes, the story will be executive produced by Harvey and Bob Weinstein together with Hat Trick’s Head of Drama Mark Redhead, Chris Kelly and Ted Childs.
Doctor Thorne will focus on encounters that shed light on jealousy, lust and greed as well as of pride, arrogance and false values. However, it will mainly seek out love.
Tom Hollander ('Pride & Prejudice,' 'Rev'), Ian McShane ('Deadwood,' 'Snow White and the Huntsman'), Alison Brie ('Mad Men,' 'Community') and Rebecca Front ('Humans,' 'Lewis') are expected to star in the new series together with a large cast of renowned actors.
“It’s a tremendous thrill to be a part of Julian Fellowes’ first television outing since ‘Downton Abbey,’ a series we were all such immense fans of,” TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein said in an official statement. “With a script as extremely witty, brilliant, and appealing as this one is, I’m certain ‘Doctor Thorne’ will replicate the passionate fan base and ratings power of ‘Downton Abbey.'”
Fellowes’ upcoming drama follows the story of Dr Thorne (Hollander), a doctor residing in the village of Greshamsbury with his beautiful niece, Mary.
Blessed with numerous gifts in life except wealth, Mary grew up together with the Gresham sisters and their good-looking brother – whose home is the great house and estate at Greshamsbury Park.
When Lady Arabella Gresham (Front) finds out that her son has taken interest in Dr. Thorne’s destitute niece, she is appalled. Her husband foolishly spent their family’s wealth and is only being kept afloat by loans provided by railway millionaire Sir Roger Scatcherd (McShane).
However, Sir Roger has been having drinking problems and could be affecting their financial future. Making it her son’s obligation to secure a rich spouse and save the family estate, Lady Arabella doubles her efforts in finding a suitable heiress to marry her son.
“We are very pleased to launch Hat Trick International’s move into scripted distribution with a drama that has such an immaculate pedigree. ‘Doctor Thorne’ has all the attributes to become one of the standout dramas of 2015,” Sarah Tong, Director of Sales at Hat Trick International, shared.
Meanwhile, Fellowes’ other period drama, the award-winning ‘Downton Abbey’, is expected to return for its sixth and final season in January 2016.
