The War of the Worlds - BBC adaptation (2019)

[The Sand Master]

The BBC are making an adaptation of HG Wells' The War of the Worlds. Produced by Mammoth Screen (makers of Poldark, And Then There Were None, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norell), starring Rafe Spall, Eleanor Tomlinson and Robert Carlyle and to be screened either later this year or part of their New Year's season of programmes for 2019.
They're sticking to a period drama but instead of it being set in 1897 it seems to be setting place about 10 years later or perhaps on the cusp or murmurings of The Great War going by the uniforms in the first released on-set picture. Maybe a pre-WWI set piece will dynamically work better for it with the early advancement in powered-flight (aerial shots) and artillery without it being too far removed from a late-Victorian ambience and the chances of seeing riflemen charging on horseback at the Martian War Machines and fruitlessly bayoneting at the feet of them.
It also begins in Woking before moving into other rural and urban places as well as London.
http://www.denofgeek.com/uk/tv/the-...f-the-worlds-first-look-at-new-bbc-adaptation

 

[Milk Tray Guy]

It's a great story (I remember studying the novel at school waay back for Eng Lit) but another live-action adaptation doesn't really draw me.

 

[The Sand Master]

If ever a classic story was poorly served by film makers, it is 'The War of the Worlds'. Neither of the two major feature films that used the title had very much in common with the book at all, both being set in what was for them the present day USA. The most faithful, and conceivably best, version widely available to date is the Jeff Wayne musical version.

I remember watching the various period battle scenes in the BBC's recent War and Peace adaptation and being quite impressed with how they were shot and directed, seeing them from a distance as well as right in with the action, the special effects, as well as some fantastic swooping aerial shots, etc. Hopefully, we'll get some great battle scenes with this production.

 

[Milk Tray Guy]

The most faithful, and conceivably best, version widely available to date is the Jeff Wayne musical version.

That version is great.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

Eleanor Tomlinson, so I am definitely in.

 

[The Sand Master]

No exact airdate as yet but it would appear that the scheduled transmission first mooted for a December release, has been brought forward as they've saddled it within their Autumn season of programmes. But then I suppose, 'later on in the year' could still be December as Autumn ends 3 weeks into that month.
Some info:
https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2018-06-14/when-is-the-war-of-the-worlds-on-tv-who-is-in-the-cast/

 

[The Sand Master]

Crash site of the first Martian cylinder?

Stroryboards from the production with maybe a hint of what the War Machines might look like...

 

[cloverfan98]

Can't wait for this War of the Worlds is one of my favorite stories of all time and it actually has so many good adaptations to its name. The best IMO are the 2005 and 60's films and of course the radio drama.

 

[The Sand Master]

A nice little video shot on set and behind the scenes in the village of Great Budworth in Cheshire.

 

[Lily Adler]

As long as the main family all live in the end, this will be amazing.

 

[The Sand Master]

Storyboards for this production by Andy Carroll can be viewed on his website
Andy Carroll | illustrator | storyboard artist - War of the Worlds

 

[The Sand Master]

I'm hearing rumours that it will be shown in January 2019.

 

[The Sand Master]

A quick glimpse of a Martian War Machine can be seen in the latest New Season on BBC trailer:
Also, a blink and you'll miss it heat-ray at the 53 seconds mark, poor old Peeler!

 

[_Superman_]

Can't wait to see this.

 

[Mandon Knight]

I literally can't wait for this.

 

[Kaleb]

 

[DarkKnight88]

I thought this was supposed to be at the end of the 19th century like the book?

Or is this that trailer for some other adaptation?

Cause if not, very disappointed.

 

[DarkShadow10]

I thought this was supposed to be at the end of the 19th century like the book?

Or is this that trailer for some other adaptation?

Cause if not, very disappointed.

Different adaption from the sounds of it.

 

[Perfect Cell]

That trailer isn't for the BBC adaptation. It's for the FOX one starring Gabriel Byrne. The BBC one is a period piece, and stars Robert Carlyle.

The War of the Worlds (miniseries) - Wikipedia

War of the Worlds (Fox TV series) - Wikipedia

The BBC adaptation is set to have its trailer premiere in about 23 hours, by the looks of it:

 

[DarkKnight88]

Thanks for clearing that up.

The Fox one looks bad.

 

[The Sand Master]

A couple more trailers for the BBC adaptation

 

[SPO2 Dalisay]

Isn't the expiration of exclusive rights and the public domain grand. Two wars coming to confuse us.

 

[DarkKnight88]

Any reviews? Hasn’t this aired in Canada already?

 

[Flash525]

Any reviews? Hasn’t this aired in Canada already?

The Canadian one is due to be released on the 29th, I'm uncertain of the British one.

 

[Monsieur Xavier]

I watched the first episode through unnatural means, it looks OK.
Costumes, sets, sfx and how it is filmed is fine, there is even a little "twist" (medium spoiler )

Spoiler

there are scenes (set after the war ) on Earth but at first you think it's on Mars

Small nitpick. The male lead always makes this face