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The Prisoner to ReturnNew Production of Cult 60s Programme Stars Jim Caviezel
Britain's ITV Productions have revealed that they are to remake cult 60's show "The Prisoner". The new show will have a 21st Century look and two feature two majors stars
The PrisonerThe original series of The Prisoner was co-created by and starred Patrick McGoohan following his success in the series Danger Man and, at the time there was some debate as to whether McGoohan’s character in Danger Man – John Drake – was the mysteriously named Number Six in the Prisoner, with many coincidences between the two shows. Not least the fact that Number 6 was a bored secret agent who had retired from his organisation. The original series has, over time, attained a huge cult following with annual conventions and a trade in memorabilia and has led to the town of Portmeirion in Wales, where the series was filmed, achieving almost legendary status. Symbols, such as the Penny Farthing logo and large balloon devices that acted as guards, have become embedded in iconic culture. Whats in Store in the New Show The planned Six-Part series, to be aired in 2009, will endeavour to update the series taking it away from the backdrop of the Cold War era and reflect 21st century concerns and anxieties, such as liberty, security and surveillance, yet also attempt to keep the same key elements of paranoia, tense action and socio-political observations seen in the enigmatic original. ITV Productions is co-producing the six-part series with Granada International and AMC. Writer of the new series Bill Gallagher, perhaps best known for his UK costume drama Lark Rise to Candleford, admits to being haunted by The Prisoner when he first watched it as a boy and relishes the opportunity to work on such an iconic programme. The Stars of the New SeriesThe new production will see Jim Caviezel take on the lead role as Number Six. Cavieziel, born in Washington State, is perhaps most famous for his role as Jesus in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of Christ (2004). However the actor, who is 40 in September, appeared in his first film in 1991. Most recently Caviezel played against type when he co-starred opposite Denzel Washington in the thriller Déjà vu. The role of Number Two was, in the original series, played by a number of different actors, however for the new show the producers have signed up veteran actor Sir Ian McKellen. McKellen is renowned for his many film and stage performances over the years and he has been honoured with more than 40 International awards. McKellen said of the role, “Bill Gallagher’s new version of “The Prisoner” is an enthralling commentary on modern culture. It is witty, intelligent and disturbing. I am very excited to be involved.” (Source: ITV Productions)
The copyright of the article The Prisoner to Return in British TV is owned by Tony Butcher. Permission to republish The Prisoner to Return in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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