David Tennant for Around the World in 80 Days

David Tennant will play explorer Phileas Fogg in the 8 part adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic Around the World in 80 Days.

Following an outrageous bet, Fogg and his valet, Passepartout, played by rising French actor Ibrahim Koma, take on the legendary journey of circumnavigating the globe in just 80 days, swiftly joined by aspiring journalist Abigail Fix (Leonie Benesch), who seizes the chance to report on this extraordinary story.

The series is being adapted by writers including Ashley Pharoah (Life on Mars) and Caleb Ranson (Child of Mine).

Executive producer Simon Crawford Collins said, “We are thrilled to have such a talent as David to play this modern take on the iconic role of Phileas Fogg. Bigger than the hair-raising physical challenges of the adventure – from the scorching heat of the desert to skulduggery in Hong Kong and of course strikes in Paris – will be Fogg’s personal journey. I’m excited that viewers will also have the pleasure of watching the extraordinary talents of Leonie and Ibrahim in the roles of Fix and Passepartout, as they travel around the world. The series is full of adrenaline, heart and of course lots of fun, thanks to Ashley and our talented writing team. Viewers are in for something really special.”

The project is a Slim Film + Television and Federation co-production with additional co-production partners, Palladium Pictures in South Africa, and Daro Film, associate producer.

Seven West Media are also backing the production and are broadcasting in Australia.

Filming is set to start in February 2020 principally in South Africa and Romania ahead of its launch at the end of 2020.

Source: Deadline