New 'Count of Monte Cristo' Upcoming for U.K. Broadcaster

Variety reports that a new TV adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo" is in the works for a major British broadcaster from Lydia Adetunji and Amit Gupta. It will be the first screen version of the story to feature a black actor in the title role.

The 19th-century novel follows Edmond Dantes as he seeks revenge after being wrongly framed and imprisoned for treason.

French author Dumas wrote about his own African heritage and racial discrimination. Having a black count in Adetunji and Gupta's take on his story, which will retain the period setting, will be a first, with casting to follow.

Adetunji and Gupta will produce the show through Neon Ink productions. Adentunji's credits include Sky series "Riviera," and the upcoming ITV adaptation of Malorie Blackman's "Noughts and Crosses." Gupta's work includes the BAFTA-nominated Andrea Riseborough and Michael Sheen film "Resistance."

Read the original story on Variety.