BBC One has ordered a series of new adaptations of Charles Dickens’ Classic Novels from Steven Knight, the creator of other successful period dramas including Peaky Blinders and Taboo.
Executive producing is Ridley Scott of Scott Free London in association with Tom Hardy (yes, the actor) of Hardy Son and Baker. Also producing are Kate Crowe, Dean Baker, and Piers Wenger from the BBC.
The first adaptation will be a 3-part miniseries of A Christmas Carol which is set to air in Christmas 2019.
RELATED NEW PERIOD BIOPIC FILM ‘JUDY’ ABOUT JUDY GARLAND ANNOUNCED – SET TO STAR RENÉE ZELLWEGER
Thoughts
According to Deadline, “Knight is an avowed Dickens fan.” No doubt, having a love for the books he’s adapting already gives the series a positive edge. From the BBC announcement, Knight says, “Any question about narrative storytelling is answered by Dickens. To have the chance to revisit the text and interpret in a new way is the greatest privilege. We need luck and wisdom to do this justice.”
It’s this desire to give the adaptations “justice” that gives me hope for these adaptations. I also hope they plan to adapt novels often ignored instead of focusing on yet another adaptation of Great Expectations or Oliver Twist.
RELATED ‘THE MERCY’ TRAILER: NEW UPCOMING PERIOD DRAMA STARRING COLIN FIRTH AND RACHEL WEISZ
Still, with Knight on board, I do hope that these Dickens adaptations don’t become too dark, too violent, and too graphic with unnecessary nudity and sexuality which are all prevalent in Peaky Blinders and Taboo. However, with a talented writer at the head who has a love for Dickens’ novels, there’s a high chance the adaptations will be fantastic and stay true to the novels. And with the BBC (known for their quality period dramas) also behind it, I can’t wait to see the final results. That is unless they turn these adaptations into TV-MA productions.
What are your thoughts on these new Dickens adaptations? Are you excited about more British Period Dramas based on Dickens’ novels? Or would you prefer adaptations of other classics? Let me know in the comments!
ARE YOU A ROMANCE FAN? FOLLOW THE SILVER PETTICOAT REVIEW:
Our romance-themed entertainment site is on a mission to help you find the best period dramas, romance movies, TV shows, and books. Other topics include Jane Austen, Classic Hollywood, TV Couples, Fairy Tales, Romantic Living, Romanticism, and more. We’re damsels not in distress fighting for the all-new optimistic Romantic Revolution. Join us and subscribe. For more information, see our About, Old-Fashioned Romance 101, Modern Romanticism 101, and Romantic Living 101.
If Ridley Scott has anything to do with them, I suspect there will be a surfeit of nudity, sexuality, and shoehorning in politically correct modern ideas.