London, 1782. Tensions run high in the war between France and Britain. A young woman, Lucie Manette, has her life upended when she receives a message from Paris - her father, assumed dead for almost 20 years, may be alive. The messenger - idealistic French emigré, Charles Darnay - is arrested and charged with treason. Lucie enlists the help of a brilliant but erratic young lawyer, Sydney Carton, to free Darnay in the hope he will lead her to Paris to track down her father. Lucie's collision with Darnay and Carton unleashes a powerful and complex love triangle. Both men fight to be worthy of her love and Lucie is torn over which one to choose. Yet neither man - physically so alike, spiritually poles apart - can escape the other. Instead, they find themselves bound together in life and death, through triumphs, tragedies, marriage and murder.
The limited series will star Kit Harington as Sydney Carton, François Civil as Charles Darnay, and Mirren Mack as Lucie Manette.
Daniel West is writing the adaptation with Hong Khaou set to direct. They will executive produce with Harington, Polly Williams, Sarah Best, Léo Becker and Daniel West. Simon Meyers will be a producer. Federation Stories, Federation Studio France and Thriker Films will produce in association with MGM+ and the BBC.
"We're truly thrilled at the opportunity to bring A Tale of Two Cities to our viewers," said Michael Wright, Head of MGM+. "With its exceptional cast led by Kit Harington, François Civil, and Mirren Mack, combined with Hong Khaou's visionary direction, this collaboration with Federation Stories, Thriker Films, and Federation Studio France perfectly aligns with our commitment to deliver entertaining, cinematic, classic Hollywood storytelling for a contemporary audience."
