In July, some confusing news arrived – H.G. Wells’ classic tome The War Of The Worlds was heading to television. Again. Again, again.
This new series has absolutely nothing to do with the Beeb’s upcoming War Of The Worlds adaptation, starring Rafe Spall. Nope, this one’s set in contemporary America, and is being created and written by Misfits and Crazyhead mastermind, Howard Overman.
Variety reports that Greg Kinnear (As Good As It Gets, Auto Focus) is now in talks to star in the upcoming 8-part series, although it seems he hasn’t yet signed on the dotted line.
Pre-production on the new show is already underway, and it’ll arrive on our screens in late 2019 if all goes well, long after the BBC’s latest version has concluded.
“In many ways H.G. Wells’ novel is a cautionary tale of racial superiority and ethnic conflict,” said Overman in a statement. “It is these themes that I wanted to explore more fully in my modern re-imagining. I look forward to bringing our bold, fresh and relatable version, inspired by this much-loved story to a new audience.”
Here’s a brief description of this second series, via THR:
In this new take on War Of The Worlds, when astronomers detect a transmission from another galaxy, it is definitive proof of intelligent extra-terrestrial life. Earth’s population waits for further contact with baited breath, but does not have to wait long. Within days, mankind is all but wiped out, with 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?
Well, have they read the news here lately? Honestly, we’re almost ready to join their side.
More on this second War Of The Worlds series as we get it.