Eddie Izzard will lead the cast of Joe Stephenson’s UK feature Doctor Jekyll, a modern interpretation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde which places a woman in the lead role.
Shooting begins on the film this week in the UK, with Metro International Entertainment attached for world sales.
Izzard, who has spoken of her genderfluid identity and that she identifies as a transgender woman, will play the reclusive Dr. Nina Jekyll, who finds friendship with her newly-hired help Rob; and must work with him to prevent Hyde from destroying her life. Scott Chambers will play Rob.
The project has been developed throughout the pandemic by Stephenson and first-time writer Dan Kelly-Mulhern. It is produced by Stephenson for B Good Picture Company, in association with Fluidity Films, for which Guy de Beaujeu produces. Christian Angermayer is executive producer.
Izzard’s feature credits include Victoria & Abdul, Ocean’s Thirteen and Ocean’s Twelve, plus 2020 thriller Six Minutes to Midnight, which she co-wrote and executive produced.
Stephenson’s previous features include 2015 debut Chicken, which played at festivals including Edinburgh and Busan; and 2017 documentary McKellen: Playing The Part.
“It’s wonderful to be able to reimagine this classic story in a modern way,” said Izzard.
“With [Eddie] being the extraordinary and versatile actress she is, playing against Scott’s natural talent to make us believe in the good in people, I can’t wait to bring this suspenseful take on the iconic classic to life,” said Stephenson.
Stevenson’s 1886 novella is one of the most frequently adapted literary works of all time, with at least 19 previous film versions. Most of these were in the early part of the 20th century; more recent versions include Maurice Phillips’ Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, distributed by Universal, in which John Hannah played the lead roles.
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