Multi-talented superstar, Idris Elba is to team up with Netflix for a new adaptation of the 1831 Victor Hugo Novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
The actor/DJ/filmmaker will not only star as the titular character but will also direct the picture. He will also produce and provide the musical score which is being described as a “sonic and musical experience.”
The Current War’s Michael Mitnick will pen the script. Fred Berger (La La Land) and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones (Midnight Special) will produce for Automatik, along with Elba and Green Door’s Ana Garanito.
The French Romantic/Gothic novel by Victor Hugo was first published in 1831 and was set in Paris in 1482 during the reign of Louis XI. The story is centred on Quasimodo, a hunchback, and his doomed romance with the Gypsy Esmeralda. Elba’s version is set to be set in modern day. In 1996, Disney turned the story into an animated feature and had a voice that included Tom Hulce, Demi Moore, Tony Jay and Kevin Kline.
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As well as starring in a number of blockbusters, Elba has recently turned his talents to behind the camera with his directorial debut, Yardie. He also created and starred in the Sky comedy In The Long Run which was based on his childhood, the story focused on the Easmon family, which has settled in England after having arrived from Sierra Leone.
He also created the straight to series for Netflix comedy, Turn Up Charlie which sees Elba play Charlie, a struggling DJ and eternal bachelor, who is given a final chance at success when he reluctantly becomes a manny to his famous best friend’s problem-child daughter.
