"BBC Acquires Epic Adaptation of The Narrow Road to the Deep North"

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has announced its acquisition of The Narrow Road to the Deep North, a powerful new adaptation of Richard Flanagan's Booker Prize-winning novel. The five-part series will air on BBC One and stream on BBC iPlayer, bringing to life an epic tale of love, war, and the enduring complexity of the human spirit. Produced by Curio Pictures in partnership with Sony Pictures Television, the series boasts a stellar creative team and cast.

Jacob Elordi (Euphoria, Saltburn) takes on the role of Dorrigo Evans as a young man, while Ciarán Hinds (Kin, Belfast) portrays him in his later years. Odessa Young (Manodrome, The Stand) plays Amy Mulvaney, Dorrigo's great love, whose memory sustains him through unimaginable suffering. The story spans decades, from Dorrigo's passionate and forbidden romance with Amy to his harrowing experiences as a POW in a Japanese labour camp during World War II, and his later life as a celebrated surgeon and reluctant war hero.

At its heart, The Narrow Road to the Deep North is both a deeply intimate character study and a sweeping exploration of the courage and cruelty of war. It examines the transformative power of love in the face of the darkest human experiences, offering viewers a poignant blend of personal and historical storytelling.

Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, described the series as "complex, beautiful, and heart-wrenching," praising its ability to sensitively weave together the many facets of Dorrigo Evans' life. "From the passion of first love to the unflinching depiction of life as a prisoner of war in occupied Burma, this truly exceptional adaptation will captivate BBC viewers."

Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner of Curio Pictures, who serve as executive producers, highlighted the emotional resonance of the series. "The Narrow Road to the Deep North is an epic tale of the sustaining power of love under the harshest of circumstances. Curio is honoured to help bring this spectacular story to life with creators Shaun Grant and Justin Kurzel, novelist Richard Flanagan, and our brilliant cast and crew. We can't wait for audiences to see it."

Directed by Justin Kurzel and written by Shaun Grant, the adaptation stays true to the novel's layered narrative while bringing a cinematic quality to the screen. Alongside Grant, Kurzel, Porter, Gardner, and Flanagan, Alexandra Taussig serves as producer. The series is supported by Screen Australia and Screen NSW through their Made in NSW and PDV Funds, underscoring its ambitious scope and production values.

Running at five 45-minute episodes, The Narrow Road to the Deep North promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally gripping series. Its exploration of love, loss, and resilience under extraordinary circumstances ensures it will resonate with audiences long after the final credits roll. BBC viewers can look forward to experiencing this extraordinary adaptation in the near future.