Max Irons and Sam Neill have been cast in ITV’s “epic” four-part mini series about Howard Carter’s discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Written by Guy Burt, the drama focuses on the legendary personal story of Carter, a solitary man on the edge of society who became an iconic figure and an unlikely hero when he made one of archaeology’s most important finds.
The series was first announced in July and starts filming next month in South Africa.
Irons will play Carter with The Tudors star Neill taking on the role of “dashing and eccentric” Lord Carnarvon who provided financial backing for Carter’s expeditions when no one else would.
“Tutankhamun is a story of epic proportions,” said Steve November, ITV Director of Drama earlier this year.
“Against the backdrop of World War One, conflict, murder, corruption, romance and the unlikeliest of friendships, Tutankhamun sees Howard Carter’s determination pay off in spectacular style when he discovers one of the greatest archaeological treasures of the modern world.”