Benedict Cumberbatch will star in the Netflix thriller series The 39 Steps. John Buchan's classic thriller novel was most famously adapted in the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Robert Donat and Madeleine Carroll. Set just before World War I, the story follows a man named Richard Hannay, who becomes embroiled in an international spy ring and must go on the run. The 39 Steps is one of Hitchcock's most iconic films and is one of many adaptations of the original novel. Now, the story is getting a more modern retelling.
Per Deadline, Benedict Cumberbatch will star in a limited series adaptation of The 39 Steps for Netflix. The limited series will be a contemporary retelling of the novel, following an ordinary man, Richard Hannay, as he gets caught up in a global conspiracy. Described as "provocative" and "action-packed," the series will reportedly contain six or more hour-long episodes. Filming will likely begin next year in Europe. The spy thriller series will be directed by Edward Berger, who previously teamed with Cumberbatch on Showtime's Patrick Melrose, and will be penned by The Revenant writer Mark L. Smith.
The series will be produced by Anonymous Content, Chapter One Pictures, and SunnyMarch. Cumberbatch will also executive produce the series, along with his producing partner Adam Ackland for SunnyMarch. Smith and Berger will also executive produce the show, along with Sophie Gardiner for Chapter One Pictures, Cliff Roberts for Syndicate Entertainment, and Keith Redmon for Anonymous Content.
Cumberbatch most recently appeared in the legal drama The Mauritanian and will next star in the thriller film The Courier. He will soon also reprise his Doctor Strange role in two upcoming MCU films, this year’s Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in 2022.
Source: Deadline