Disney+ has ordered a live-action series based on Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea as it ramps up scripted commissioning in the UK.
Nautilus is being produced by two British companies: All3Media label Seven Stories, which counts Stephen Lambert as chair, alongside Xavier Marchand’s Moonriver TV.
The show was unveiled during today’s Disney+ Edinburgh Television Festival Spotlight session (August 23).
The 10-parter will tell Verne’s story from the point of view of character Captain Nemo, who oversees the legendary submarine Nautilus.
Once Nemo sets sail with his ragtag crew, he not only battles with his enemy but also discovers a magical underwater world, learns to take his place as leader of the crew and goes on an unforgettable adventure beneath the sea.
Disney+ scripted commissioner Johanna Devereaux is exec producing alongside Moonriver’s Marchand and Seven Stories’ Anand Tucker. Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands’ James Dormer is on board to write, with filming set to take place early next year.
“Jules Verne’s story is a beloved classic all around the world,” said Devereaux, who pointed to the “diverse team of creative talent and on-screen characters”.
Casting news
Disney+ is targeting 50 European productions by 2024 and Devereaux also revealed casting announcements during the session.
Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, who is currently starring in Lena Dunham HBO Max dramedy Generation, is leading Character 7’s previously-announced Culprits from executive producer Stephen Garrett (The Undoing; The Night Manager) and filmmaker J Blakeson (I Care A Lot, The Disappearance of Alice Creed).
Finally, Alita: Battle Angel lead Rosie Salazar is to feature in Dancing Ledge drama Wedding Season, which begins production later this month and will be shooting in Scotland, Manchester, London and Las Vegas.
This story first appeared on Screen’s sister site Broadcast.
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