BBC and The Weinstein Company are adapting Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel War And Peace with Andrew Davies writing and Tom Harper (Woman In Black: Angel Of Death) directing, and they’ve set Lily James, Paul Dano, and James Norton to star in the event series. Filming on the six-episode one hour drama is expected to begin early next year in Russia.
In addition to Dano, James, and Norton, the cast includes Stephen Rea, Ade Edmondson, Greta Scacchi, Jack Lowden, Tom Burke, and Aisling Loftus.
Commenting on being cast to play Natasha, James said, “I am very excited and privileged to be playing Natasha, in this co-production between BBC and The Weinstein Company, of Tolstoy’s classic War And Peace. It is amazing to be part of such a prestigious cast and to appear in such a beautiful and rich adaptation by Andrew Davies.”
“I’m thrilled to be entrusted with Andrei in this exciting adaptation. It’s a privilege to bring to life one of Tolstoy’s wonderfully rich and conflicted characters,” stated Norton. “And to get to work alongside talents such as Tom Harper, Andrew Davies, Lily James, and Paul Dano is very exciting – I can’t wait to get started.”
“When I came to War And Peace for the first time, rather late in life, I was struck by how fresh and modern the characters and relationships felt. It’s a story of the hopes and dreams of youth, set against the titanic background of the Napoleonic wars. Three characters at the centre: Pierre, the bumbling, chaotic idealist; Prince Andrei, whose cool Darcy-like exterior conceals huge emotional conflict; and Natasha Rostova, possibly the most appealing heroine in literature. These three are surrounded by a gallery of unforgettable characters – we get love, friendship, huge swings of fortune, betrayals, tragedy, and a surprising amount of comedy too,” added Davies.
The drama series will be executive produced by Davies, BBC Wales Head of Drama Faith Penhale, BBC Cymru Wales’ Bethan Jones, Harvey Weinstein, Robert Walak, and Simon Vaughan.
