Godless Jack OConnell To Star In BBC Adaptation Of Andrew Haighs The North Water

Godless star Jack OConnell is to star in the BBCs adaptation of The North Water. Deadline understands that the British actor will play the lead role of Patrick Sumner in the series, which is written and directed by Lean on Pete and 45 Years Andrew Haigh, and produced by Top of the Lake producer See-Saw Films.

OConnells Sumner is a disgraced ex-army surgeon who signs up as the ships doctor. Hoping to escape the horrors of his past, Sumner finds himself on an ill-fated journey with murderous psychopath Henry Drax, played by Colin Farrell. Sumner is in search of redemption, and his story becomes a harsh struggle for survival in the Arctic wasteland.

The series, which is being produced as three hour-long episodes and a 90-minute finale, is set in Hull and the ice floes of the Arctic in the late 1850s. It is an adaptation of Ian McGuires Man Booker Prize-longlisted novel. It is exec produced by Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and BBCs Lucy Richer. It is a co-production with Rhombus Media, whose Niv Fichman will also exec produce. It was commissioned by Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, and Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two. Filming will begin this fall. BBC Studios distributes.

It is OConnells first UK television role in a number of years since he broke out of E4 teen drama Skins. He is starring opposite Laura Dern in Roadside Attractions drama Trial By Fire, which is released on May 17 and stars Charlie Hunnam in Jungleland and opposite Kristen Stewart in Against All Enemies, both of which will be out later in the year. He has previously starred in Angelina Jolies Unbroken as well as indie drama Starred Up and 71.

OConnell is repped by Conway van Gelder Grant, CAA and Sloane, Offer, Weber & DeRead More – Source

Deadline