WOLF HALL Mini-Series, Starring Tony-Winner Mark Rylance, Officially Headed to PBS in 2015

The New York Times has confirmed earlier reports that Hilary mantel's novels WOLF HALL and BRING UP THE BODIES are Being adapted as a six-part television drama for PBS' 'Masterpiece' and will star Tony and Olivier-winner Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell.

"Only an enormously gifted actor like Mark Rylance could do justice to Hilary Mantel's nuanced characterization of Thomas Cromwell," said 'Masterpiece' executive producer Rebecca Eaton said in a statement. "I have no doubt that our PBS viewers will be dazzled by his performance in 'Wolf Hall'."

Read the original report here.

WOLF HALL "will follow the meteoric rise of Cromwell in the Tudor court, from his lowly start as the son of a blacksmith" and is directed by Peter Kosminsky (White Oleander, TV's The Promise). Rylance's historical character Cromwell took a large part in annulling Henry VIII's marriage to Catharine of Aragon, setting the king up with Anne Boleyn, Anne's execution and Henry's marriage to Jane Seymour, among many important affairs of state.

The miniseries is set to start filming next spring and will air in 2015.

Rylance recently directed Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones in Much Ado About Nothing at the Old Vic in September and is preparing for his turns in Richard III and Twelfth Night (which he just finished in the West End) on Broadway this season.

Rylance won Tony Awards for his performances in Boeing-Boeing and Jerusalem on Broadway. He has also appeared on the Great White Way and in the West End in La Bete. His off-Broadway credits include Two Gentlemen of Verona and Henry V.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride