‘House,’ ‘Episodes’ Stars to Topline Fox’s ‘Houdini & Doyle’

Fox has cast the leads in its upcoming Houdini & Doyle series, and it’s a bit of a House reunion.

House alum Michael Weston and Episodes star Stephen Mangan will portray Harry Houdini and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, respectively, in the drama, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Inspired by true events, Houdini & Doyle will draw from the rich history of the 20th century and revolves around Houdini, the master magician, escape artist and paranormal debunker and Doyle, the prolific writer, creator of Sherlock Holmes and paranormal aficionado as they grudgingly join forces with New Scotland Yard to investigate unsolved and inexplicable crimes with a supernatural slant. Additionally, Rebecca Liddiard (Man Seeking Woman) has also joined the cast as Constable Adelaide Stratton in the series set to debut in 2016 on Fox.

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Picked up straight to series in March, David Shore (House) executive produces the 10-episode series that was created by his longtime collaborator David Hoselton and Canadian screenwriter David Titcher (The Librarians). The drama is a U.K./Canada Treaty co-production from Big Talk Productions and Shaftesbury in association with Sony Pictures Television-based Shore Z Productions that will premiere on the U.K.’s ITV Encore in spring 2016 followed by Canada’s Global before debuting on Fox.

“I’ve long been intrigued by both Houdini and Doyle — men who were ahead of their time, each fascinating in their own right,” Shore said. “But the idea that these two, seemingly so different, could have been friends is almost too perfect. In Michael and Stephen, we have found two incredible actors that embody the intelligence, humor and mystique of these men, who — even when viewed through the lens of history — are larger than life.”

Big Talk Productions’ Kenton Allen, Matthew Justice and Luke Alkin as well as Shaftesbury’s Christina Jennings, Maggie Murphy and Scott Garvie also are on board as executive producers. Sony Pictures Television will distribute the series.

Weston, whose credits include Elementary and Law & Order: SVU as well as features Coyote Ugly and Garden State, is repped by Paradigm, Silver Lining Entertainment and Schreck Rose. Mangan, who stars alongside Matt LeBlanc in Showtime’s recently renewed Episodes, also counts features Billy Elliot and Rush as well as his Tony-nominated role in The Norman Conquests. He’s repped by WME, United Agents in the U.K. and Authentic Talent.

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Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit