Kit Harington to Star in ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ TV Adaptation on MGM+ and BBC

MGM+ and the BBC are teaming up for a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel A Tale of Two Cities. The four-part series will star Kit Harington, known for Game of Thrones and Industry, François Civil, and Mirren Mack. Daniel West, creator of Top Boy, wrote the series, and Hong Khaou is set to direct. The show is produced by Federation Stories and Thriker Films and is scheduled to air next year.

The story is set in London in 1782 during rising tensions between France and Britain. Mirren Mack plays Lucie Manette, a young woman whose life is turned upside down when she learns that her father, missing for nearly 20 years, might still be alive in Paris.

François Civil stars as Charles Darnay, a French emigré who brings the news but is soon arrested for treason. Harington plays Sydney Carton, a brilliant but unpredictable lawyer who steps in to help free Darnay, leading to a journey across dangerous times and a complicated love triangle.

Harington and West expressed their excitement about the project, saying, “We could not be more thrilled to be working with [Federation’s] Polly, Sarah, Leo and the team at Federation to bring Dickens’ revolutionary epic to the screen. A Tale of Two Cities is the original historical blockbuster – a heartbreaking romance and a brutal revenge mystery, all set against the iconic backdrop of the French Revolution.”

“Our adaptation will be a twisting period thriller; one with a contemporary, volatile love triangle at its heart.”

Michael Wright, Head of MGM+, added, “We’re truly thrilled at the opportunity to bring A Tale of Two Cities to our viewers. With its exceptional cast led by Kit Harington, François Civil, and Mirren Mack, combined with Hong Khaou’s visionary direction, this collaboration with Federation Stories, Thriker Films, and Federation Studio France perfectly aligns with our commitment to deliver entertaining, cinematic, classic Hollywood storytelling for a contemporary audience.”

The production team includes executive producers Polly Williams and Sarah Best for Federation Stories, Léo Becker for Federation Studio France, Harington and West for Thriker Films, and Michael Wright for MGM+. Simon Meyers (I May Destroy You) is serving as producer. Federation has been focusing on adapting classic novels for modern audiences, including Around the World in 80 Days and Gulliver’s Travels, and currently has several international co-productions in the works.

This adaptation promises to bring Dickens’ historical drama to life with a modern, thrilling touch while staying true to the epic story of love, sacrifice, and revolution.

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