Game of Thrones and The Tudors star Natalie Dormer has teamed with UK production company Mainstreet Pictures (Unforgotten, Age Before Beauty, Gold Digger) and FremantleMedia (American Gods, Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Young Pope) to develop a new drama based on the life of legendary British actress Vivien Leigh.
Acclaimed screenwriter Stewart Harcourt (Maigret, Churchill’s Secret) will develop the story which will follow the highs and lows of the starlet who conquered Hollywood and give audiences a glimpse into the complex mind of the creative genius.
Set against the glamour of Hollywood in the 40s and 50s, the drama will chart the rise and fall of Leigh’s marriage and career, covering the rich tapestry of locations that span the world from the heady glamour of LA cocktail parties, to an exotic film set in India, to the elegance and class of the English Countryside.
Each episode will focus on a specific production and Leigh’s creation of her role.
Dormer will serve as producer and lead to bring the story of Vivien’s fight with her inescapable darkness and ravaging bi-polar condition to screen.
Sally Haynes and Laura Mackey of Mainstreet Pictures said; “We are incredibly excited to be collaborating with the brilliant Natalie Dormer to play an iconic star like Vivien Leigh and to bring this extraordinary unknown story to a wider audience.”
Christian Vesper, Executive Vice President and Creative Director, Global Drama, FremantleMedia said; “The story of the legendary movie star will be a compelling exploration of the woman who was transcendently known for some of the most memorable screen performances of all time.
“We’re looking forward to working with Natalie Dormer and Mainstreet Pictures to develop the series ready for global audiences.”