Benedict Cumberbatchhas signed on to star in and executive produce an adaptation ofThe 39 Steps, which is coming to Netflix as a limited series.As per Deadline, the streaming service made what was described as an aggressive bid to secure the project, and while further details are thin, the modern-day adaptation ofJohn Buchan’s 1915 novel will consist of at least six hour-long episodes.
Besides Cumberbatch, there’s some high-caliber talent attached toThe 39 Steps, withEdward Bergerset to direct the entire run. The duo previously collaborated on Showtime’sPatrick Melrose, which was nominated for Outstanding Limited Series at the Primetime Emmys and scored further nods for its acting, writing, and directing.
The Revenant’sMark L. Smithwill handle writing duties on the update of a story that was most famously brought to life inAlfred Hitchock’s 1935 classic, although it’s since been adapted three other times: twice as features released on the big screen in 1959 and 1978, and a 90-minute television film that aired on the BBC in 2008.
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Cumberbatch will star as Richard Hannay, who becomes caught up in trying to stop an international spy ring from stealing military secrets. After being framed for murder, Hannay is forced to go on the run as he attempts to clear his name and unravel the wide-ranging conspiracy at the center of the story.
It’s the latest addition to a positively jam-packed slate for Cumberbatch, who has recently be seen in both the legal dramaThe Mauritanianand historical thrillerThe Courier. TheSherlockstar also has the biopicThe Electrical Life of Louis Wainexpected later this year, as well as Netflix’s literary adaptationThe Power of the Dog.
On top of that, he recently wrapped shooting on the Marvel Cinematic Universe’sSpider-Man: No Way Homebefore working onDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. If that still wasn’t enough, Cumberbatch also signed on toColin Trevorrow’s World War II adventureWar Magicianlast month. With all these projects in the works, it could be a while before we see Cumberbatch in Netflix’s take onThe 39 Steps.
