John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost is a tempting target for adaptation, but it has frustrated more than one filmmaker, including Alex Proyas. Now Dancing Ledge Productions and Martin Freeman are betting that a TV version could be what finally makes it work on screen.
The poem, written in blank verse in the 17th century by Milton, follows the biblical story of the fall of man, Adam and Eve's temptation by Satan and their eventual expulsion from the Garden of Eden. "Paradise Lost is like a biblical Games Of Thrones transporting the reader into an internecine world of political intrigue and incredible violence," says fellow producer (and Fremantle Media/Dancing Ledge boss) Laurence Bowen, who worked with Freeman on The Eichmann Show. "At stake? The future of mankind. There’s never been a better time for big, original, bold drama series and Martin and I both feel incredibly inspired by the material."
Says Freeman, "Paradise Lost is epic, exciting and surprisingly modern. And maybe the first time the devil gets all the best tunes!" So far, there's no sign of Freeman acting in the eventual series, but there's plenty of time for those decisions to be made. As of right now, the only other people involved are effects house Framestore.
Freeman has Ghost Stories and Cargo awaiting release dates and will reprise his role as Everett K. Ross in Black Panther, due on 16 February next year.