Donald Sutherland, Ian McShane, and Rufus Sewell will star in Pillars of the Earth, a smallscreen adaptation of the historical novel that will play as a Thornbirds-style miniseries event, according to The Hollywood Reporter. But while most large European stations have signed on to air the film — produced by Munich-based TandemCommunications and Montreal-based Muse Entertainment — so far there are no takers stateside or in the U.K. The eight-hour series based on Ken Follett's bestseller, which is set in 12th Century England among war and religious strife, will be directed by Sergio Mimica-Gezzan (Heroes, Saving Grace). It starts shooting June 22 in Hungary and Austria, with a premiere date of late 2010. McShane will play Waleran;Donald Sutherland, Bartholomew; and Rufus Sewell,Tom Builder. The cast also includes Matthew Macfadyenas Prior Philip, Sarah Parish asRegan Hamleigh, Hayley Atwell as Aliena,Eddie Redmayne as Jack, and Gordon Pinsentas the Archbishop. John Pielmeier, who adapted the novel for the screen, will also play the role of Cuthbert.
Jun 9
2009
12:51 PM ET
Donald Sutherland, Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell doing 'Pillars of the Earth' miniseries
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Why would any stateside TV station sign it? It sounds like a quality mini series from a good book with a deep storyline that you have to follow for 8 episodes. Way too much to handle for the US audience who would rather watch a karaoke contest, D list celebrities dance and procedural dramas that are the same show week after week.
Why would any stateside TV station sign it? It sounds like a quality mini series from a good book with a deep storyline that you have to follow for 8 episodes. Way too much to handle for the US audience who would rather watch a karaoke contest, D list celebrities dance and procedural dramas that are the same show week after week.
Just go ahead and put it on DVD. Who can stand watching TV in real time anymore??
I am ridiculously excited about this — should be some great appointment TV if the programming suits can get their collective heads out of their collective arses and get a deal done!
I’ve got to agree. Let it go straight to DVD. I would hate for the flow of the story, probably one of the best written, to be interrupted by “Viva Viagra” or some other crap like that.
Ian McShane as Waleran- that is truly inspired casting!
oh contraire, the US NEEDS programming just like this!!! Perfect for HBO, Showtime or Turner, I say get a deal done ASAP.
I live in the U.S.A. and I have just finished reading the book and can’t wait to see the mini-series. I am hoping HBO, Cinemax, or some other cable network will pick it up for us to see in this country. I have a relative who has a major role in it and want to see the movie for that reason.
If the miniseries is anything like the book it will be awesome. State side should get into real movies instead of wasting time on what Tiger’s doing or Kate & what’s his name.Someone please just make a deal.
Sorry,that’s just a silly comment.US audiences (i live in ireland by the way) are perfectly capable of handling long storylines. The sucess of shows such as Lost, 24, The sopranos, band of brothers, etc etc proves that.
Rufus Sewell as Tom Builder and Eddie Redmayne as Jack are amazing actors! Also Hayley Atwell as Aliena fantastic story and amazing job! I am only four episodes in but love it!
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