Award-winning actor Colin Farrell (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) has been cast in an adaptation of Ian McGuire’s novel, The North Water.
The series of the same name is set in the UK during the late 1850s and follows Patrick Sumner, a disgraced ex-army surgeon who tries to escape his past by signing up as a ship’s doctor for a whaling expedition in the Arctic.
On board the ship, Sumner encounters Henry Drax (Colin Farrell) the ship’s psychotic harpooner who’s developed an indifference towards killing.
Sumner’s attempts to flee the horrors of his past soon becomes a search for redemption, as he fights for survival in the Arctic.
The BBC Two drama will be adapted and directed by Andrew Haigh (Looking) and produced by See-Saw Films for BBC Two.
Andrew Haigh commented: “Casting the right leads is the most important part of any project and I’m thrilled to have Colin Farrell on board.
“I am a huge admirer of his work and can't wait to see him bring Drax vividly to life.”
“Colin Farrell will bring a blend of brutality and humanity to Andrew Haigh’s superb adaptation of this savage novel,” added Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama.
“The North Water is a brooding and resonant story which is set to grip BBC Two viewers.”
Filming for the four-part thriller will begin in autumn 2019.
