The Name of the Rose is coming to TV.
Umberto Eco’s medieval crime thriller, adapted by Jean-Jacques Annaud as a hit film starring Sean Connery and Christian Slater in 1986, is being rebooted as a limited series.
Set in 14th century Italy, The Name of the Rose follows Franciscan monk William of Baskerville and his apprentice, Adso of Melk, who arrive at a secluded monastery in the Alps, where they become witnesses of a series of mysterious murders. While the pair investigates the murders, they are themselves hunted by Bernardo Gui, a church inquisitor who mercilessly prosecutes anyone who criticizes the pope of Catholic doctrine.
The Night Of star John Turturro will play William of Baskerville, the role made famous by Connery in the film. Rupert Everett will play Bernardo Gui in the TV adaptation.
Germany’s Tele Munchen Group (TMG) will co-produce the eight-hour series, which is budgeted at €26 million ($30 million), together with Italy’s 11 Marzo, Palomar and in association with RAI Fiction. TMG will take worldwide distribution rights outside Italy and will be selling the series to buyers at the AFM.
“We are thrilled to be part of this high-class, state-of-the-art adaptation, which will also resonate well with a young audience that loves the suspenseful story in a gloomy and thrilling medieval setting,” said Herbert L. Kloiber, managing director of TMG. “Those who are already familiar with the book will see a new modern take and details to this multilayered story that can only be told in a series.”
The Name of the Rose series is set to begin production at Rome’s legendary Cinecitta Studios in January, with its release planned for early 2019.
Emmy-winning screenwriter Nigel Williams (Elizabeth I) adapted Eco’s book for the small screen with Italian screenwriter Andrea Porporati and Italian filmmaker Giacomo Battiato. Battiato will direct.
