Fox’s upcoming series Houdini & Doyle has found its leads in Michael Weston (House) and Stephen Mangan (Episodes). Weston will play the legendary magician Harry Houdini and Mangan has been cast as Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in what’s described as a mystery adventure drama. 24‘s Stephen Hopkins is on board to direct and Fox is aiming for a spring 2016 premiere on both Fox and ITV Encore of the 10-episode series.
The drama series is a collaboration between Big Talk Productions (U.K.), Shaftesbury (Canada), and Shore Z Productions. House creator David Shore is executive producing along with David Titcher, David Hoselton, Kenton Allen, Matthew Justice, Luke Alkin, Christina Jennings, Maggie Murphy, and Scott Garvie. Hoselton and Titcher are Houdini & Doyle‘s co-creators and writers.
“I’ve long been intrigued by both Houdini and Doyle; men who were ahead of their time, each fascinating in their own right. But the idea that these two, seemingly so different, could have been friends is almost too perfect,” stated Shore. “In Michael and Stephen, we have found two incredible actors that embody the intelligence, humor, and mystique of these men who, even when viewed through the lens of history, are larger than life.”
The Plot: Inspired by true events, Houdini & Doyle will draw heavily on the rich history of the period. Two great men of the 20th Century – Harry Houdini (Weston), master magician, escape artist and paranormal debunker; and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Mangan), prolific writer, creator of Sherlock Holmes, and paranormal aficionado – grudgingly join forces with New Scotland Yard to investigate unsolved and inexplicable crimes with a supernatural slant.
The cast also includes Rebecca Liddiard (Man Seeking Woman) as the first female London Metropolitan Police Force constable, Adelaide Stratton.
