PBS Masterpiece has officially acquired rights toThe Count of Monte Cristo, a high-profile new TV series adaptation ofAlexandre Dumas’ legendary revenge tale. A collaborative production between Italy’s Palomar and France’s DEMD Productions, the internationally ambitious project was shot entirely in English. It stars British actorSam Claflin(Daisy Jones and the Six) in the lead role of Edmond Dantès, along with EGOT winnerJeremy Irons(The Borgias) as Abbé Faria, Edmond’s friend and confidante. The series originally premiered at the 19th Rome Film Festival in October 2024 and aired in Switzerland, Sweden, and Italy. Now,PBS Masterpiece is set to bring this fresh take on the iconic tale to American audiences.
Masterpieces Head of Scripted Content and Executive ProducerSusanne Simpsonannounced at the PBS Annual Meeting thatThe Count of Monte Cristowas acquired alongside the British filmThe Great Escaper, saying in a statement, “I couldn’t be happier to be bringing these special programs to our audience. British acting royalty and an adaptation of a classic piece of literature –The Great EscaperandThe Count of Monte Cristoare both perfect Masterpiece fare.” The announcement revealed the eight-episode series will arrive in 2026 with an exact premiere date to be revealed later.
The series is directed by Oscar-winnerBille August, famous for his Palme d’Or, Academy, and Golden Globe-winning 1987 filmPelle the Conqueror,as well asLes Misérables. August’s iteration puts a slightly modern twist on the tale with Claflin stepping into the shoes of Edmond Dantès, the wrongfully imprisoned sailor who transforms into the enigmatic Count. After many years of captivity, he finally escapes and discovers treasure, making him one of the richest men in the world. Under the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo, he plans to take revenge on those who wrongly accused him. Joining Clafin in the cast areAna Girardot(The Returned),Mikkel Boe Følsgaard(A Royal Affair), andBlake Ritson(World Without End). Other cast members includeKarla-Simone Spence,Nicolas Maupas,Lino Guanciale,Michele Riondino, andGabriella Pession. Production forThe Count of Monte Cristotook place in Paris, Torino, Rome, and Malta.
Another ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ Adaptation Is in the Works
The 1844 novel has seen more than two dozen screen adaptations, with the likes ofRobert Donat,Richard Chamberlain, andJim Caviezelall playing Edmond Dantès over the years.BridgertonbreakoutRegé-Jean Pageis the latest to take on this role in anew adaptation currently in production, with a release date yet to be decided. Page will also produce the film alongsideEmily Brownvia their Mighty Stranger banner, alongsideMike LaroccaandMichael Schaefer.However, a director has yet to be attached to the project.
Check out the trailer for August’sThe Count of Monte Cristoseries adaptation above and stay tuned for future updates.
The Count of Monte Cristo
