Idris Elba to reimagine ‘Hunchback of Notre Dame’ in new production
The actor signs a deal with Netflix to bring the Victor Hugo classic tale back to life
Will the story of the tragic character Quasimodo stretch Idris Elba’s acting chops? Only time will tell, but the Golden Globe-nominated actor will star in the classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame as well as direct and produce the film for Netflix.
EW reports that Elba will take on the project with the help of Michael Mitnick (The Current War) who will write the untitled script. While we’re familiar with the classic story of Victor Hugo’s hunchback who falls in love with a gypsy named Esmerelda, the Netflix version will have a modern twist on the 1831 novel.
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The Elba twist on the classic tale is described as a “sonic and musical experience.” Who knew that Elba had an affection for music too as he will also be producing the film’s music.
Elba’s such a busy Brit these days.
He recently took his fiancée Sabrina Dowhre, to the royal wedding but caught flack when people were criticizing her attire for the event.
Also, Elba is busy he’s prepping to play an eternal bachelor in a new Netflix series called Turn Up Charlie.
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The comedy series will center on Elba as a struggling DJ who becomes a male nanny or “Manny” to help his best friend with her problematic kid.
Netflix has already ordered eight, 30-minute episodes of the series that begins production in May.
He also recently took his talents back to the British small screen this spring when he starred in a story based on his own childhood in a UK-produced comedy called In the Long Run.
The story follows the life of Walter Easmon, who works in a local factory alongside friend and neighbor Bagpipes, who is played by British comedian Bill Bailey. The ensemble cast also includes veteran Black UK actors Jimmy Akingbola of the CW’s Arrow, and Madeline Appiah.
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