Sam Claflin’s Epic Role in New Adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo Unveiled!

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The period drama featuring Peaky Blinders actor Sam Claflin has been commissioned for a new season by PBS Masterpiece. Claflin is starring in an updated version of Alexandre Dumas’ famous novel, The Count of Monte Cristo.

The state-run television network has acquired “The Count of Monte Cristo” alongside “The Great Escaper,” featuring Michael Caine. In “The Count of Monte Cristo,” Claflin portrays Edmond Dantes, a sailor falsely accused of treason and sentenced to serve time in the grim island prison called Château d’If.

Sam Claflin Will Play the Classical Literary Hero Edmond Dantes

As a passionate admirer, I’d put it this way: “After enduring long years of imprisonment, I, at last, managed my escape and stumbled upon an unimaginable fortune, placing me among the wealthiest individuals globally. Adopting the guise of the Count of Monte Cristo, I resolved to exact retribution upon those who unjustly condemned me.

In “The Count of Monte Cristo”, Claflin will be accompanied by Jeremy Irons, an Oscar winner and three-time Primetime Emmy Award recipient, as well as Ana Girardot, a popular French screen star known for her work on “The Returned”. This fresh take on the story is helmed by Bille August, a director who has won a Golden Globe. The series, divided into eight parts, made its debut on Swiss television in December 2024 and has already been broadcast in Italy and Sweden.

The Count of Monte Cristo Was Published Between 1844 and 1846

Dumas initially serialized his swashbuckling story, with the full novel finally being released in book form in 1846.

  • The first-ever screen adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo was a 1908 silent film starring Hobart Bosworth.
  • The legendary tale has also been adapted for the radio and an off-Broadway stage musical.
  • Henry Cavill’s was in the 2002 film adaptation of Monte Cristo opposite Jim Caviezel and Guy Pearce.

Susanne Simpson, Head of Content at PBS Masterpiece, expressed immense joy as she introduces unique programs to their viewers. The offerings include British acting royalty and adaptations of timeless literature such as ‘The Great Escaper’ and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’. These selections are indeed fitting for the Masterpiece brand.

Over the years, “The Count of Monte Cristo” has been reimagined not just for the silver screen but also for television, much like Alexandre Dumas’ other renowned works such as “The Three Musketeers” and “The Man in the Iron Mask.” Previously, actors like Gérard Depardieu and Jim Caviezel have taken on the role of Dantes, while Emily VanCamp played a gender-swapped version in the series “Revenge.

The British thespian elite and adaptations from beloved literary works – “The Great Escape” and “The Count of Monte Cristo” – perfectly fit the bill for a masterful production.”

Or, more casually:
“British acting greats and reimagined classics like ‘The Great Escaper’ and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ make for an outstanding watch.

Last year, Claflin admitted that playing the main character in “The Count of Monte Cristo” was extremely exhausting for him, as he needed to delve into the feelings of a person who had been imprisoned for years due to an unjust accusation.

He admitted that what proved to be the biggest challenge for him was suppressing emotions, as if Sam hadn’t seen his beloved for two years, he too would shed tears. However, he needed to turn off these feelings, which in turn presented numerous difficulties since, by nature, he is prone to experiencing them deeply.

Working with an esteemed actor such as Irons was one of the many rewarding facets of portraying Dantes, as stated by Claflin.

English-Language Adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo Features an International Cast

The Count of Monte Cristo Cast
Actor Role
Sam Claflin Edmond Dantès
Jeremy Irons Abbé Faria
Ana Girardot Mercédès
Harry Taurasi Fernand Mondego
Mikkel Boe Følsgaard Gérard de Villefort
Blake Ritson Danglars

Claflin remarked, “He’s truly an iconic figure. I’ll always remember the day he stepped onto set for the first time. He was sporting a stylish boiler suit, combat boots, and a beanie – quite an unusual sight in the middle of Malta while casually smoking a cigarette. A man so cool, you can’t help but notice him.

Regarding “The Great Escaper,” it’s been confirmed that Steve McQueen and fellow actor Glenda Jackson will be appearing in their last acting roles within this comedy-drama. This film is based on the true events surrounding British World War II Royal Navy veteran Bernard Jordan, a 90-year-old man who managed to escape from his care home to attend the 70th anniversary D-Day celebrations held in France.

[The Great Escaper] captured the global imagination, portraying Bernie as a symbol of defiance and resilience, embodying a spirit that was rapidly fading among his generation. However, it only told part of the story. It was an inspiring, albeit simplified account of one man’s journey to cope with the lingering effects of war. Bernie’s 48-hour escape also signaled the conclusion of his 60-year marriage to Rene (played by Glenda Jackson). The Great Escaper honors their enduring love, while subtly imparting lessons from the Wisest Generation.

This autumn, “The Great Escaper” will air on PBS Masterpiece, and “The Count of Monte Cristo” is scheduled for its debut in the year 2026.

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2025-05-25 19:26