European audiences are already experiencing this new take on the H. G. Wells story. American viewers will wait until February 2020 to see it. Now Australia gives us an extended trailer as a tease until they are overtaken by the alien menace. It is much longer than anything else we’ve seen and, I must say, more revealing and more disturbing. So, give it a watch, but keep the lights on, okay? You have been warned…

drama quarterly: dangerous new world

Writer/producer Howard Overman, Gabriel Byrne, Elizabeth McGovern, and Léa Drucker share their thoughts on this interpretation of the H. G. Wells classic story. Below is a brief excerpt.

Read the entire article at Drama Quarterly.

The eight-part series begins when astronomers detect a transmission from another galaxy, confirming the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life. Within days, however, mankind is all but wiped out, with only pockets of humanity left in an eerily deserted world.

The drama follows the destinies of a handful of survivors, all dealing with the sudden exodus, the loss of their loved ones and all that once gave meaning to their lives as they try to understand the reasons behind this unfathomable invasion.

Described as a unique marriage of human drama and science fiction, the show uses Wells’ story as a starting point before Overman takes it in an entirely new direction to explore human emotion during an unprecedented event, asking how people’s relationships and circumstances change when they are faced with the end of the world.

“I wanted to explore the idea that, just like HG Wells’ aliens, humanity has an almost limitless capacity to destroy those it sees as inferior or different,” Overman says. “This new interpretation of Wells’ cult novel focuses on the subtleties of human relationships, between, say, parents and children, couples, or complete strangers. The alien attack and its repercussions bring out the characters’ deepest vulnerabilities as they try to navigate this dangerous new world.”

official press release

From EPIX

“Premium network EPIX announced that it will premiere the Gabriel Byrne and Elizabeth McGovern-led drama series, War of the Worlds, exclusively to US audiences on February 16, 2020 at 9pm.

The eagerly-anticipated, contemporary reimaging of H.G. Wells timeless classic is created and written by BAFTA award-winning writer Howard Overman and produced by Urban Myth Films, in partnership with CANAL+, Fox Networks Group (FNG) Europe & Africa and AGC Television.

War of the Worlds features a critically acclaimed ensemble cast including Gabriel Byrne, Elizabeth McGovern, Léa Drucker, Natasha Little, Daisy Edgar Jones, Stéphane Caillard, Adel Bencherif and Guillaume Gouix. Gilles Coulier (De Dag, Cargo, The Natives) directs the first four episodes with Richard Clark (Innocent; Versailles) directing episodes five to eight.

Said Michael Wright, President, EPIX, “We at EPIX are thrilled to be working with the teams at Urban Myth and Studiocanal to showcase Howard Overman’s masterful take on this classic story. We can’t wait to bring this cinematic and addictive series to our audience.”

Executive producers for UMF Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps added, “Cinematic, with all the mystery, intrigue and action of the best science fiction, this fresh interpretation is a character drama that considers the myriad fears of today’s world and how potential threats may only be overcome by harnessing our own humanity.”

Set-in present-day Europe, War of the Worlds is a multi-faceted series, based on the story by H.G. Wells. When astronomers detect a transmission from another galaxy, it is definitive proof of intelligent extra-terrestrial life. The world’s population waits for further contact with bated breath. They do not have to wait long. Within days, mankind is all but wiped out; just pockets of humanity are left in an eerily deserted world.

As alien ships appear in the sky, the survivors ask a burning question – who are these attackers and why are they hell-bent on our destruction? This is a story of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances – but they are more than just victims in a brutal war. For, as we will come to realize, the aliens’ savage attack on earth is not arbitrary: its seeds are being sown before our very eyes.

The drama series is executive produced by Howard Overman, Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps for Urban Myth Films.”

It is probable that more information will be available soon–production photos, interviews, etc.–as the premiere date for the US approaches, so stay tuned! heart

4 Comments

  1. Stella,
    Thank you for bringing us this amazing expanded trailer and news. Can’t wait to see this.

  2. DORA BARALIA

    Excellent Video Stella. It is very difficult to wait for this…I am sure that all us are very anxious to see it now. Thanks for all these news … the best for you …

    • Dora, I am reasonably certain that WAR OF THE WORLDS will come to television screens in South America. As soon as I hear any news, I will share it with you. I’m excited to see this too! Stella <3

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