Full Breakdown
PBS Masterpiece, BBC and Fox Begin Filming New Adaptation of Henry James’s *The Portrait of a Lady*
7/21/2026, 12:28:09 AM
Core Production Announcement
Filming has commenced in the United Kingdom, Hungary and Croatia for a high-budget television series adapting Henry James’s 1881 novel *The Portrait of a Lady*. The eight-part drama is a co-production among PBS Masterpiece, the BBC, Number 9 Films and Fox Entertainment Global (FEG). It marks the first major U.S.–U.K. collaboration on the novel since Jane Campion’s 1996 feature film and the 1968 BBC series.
Background & Context
*The Portrait of a Lady* is widely regarded as one of James’s most celebrated works, exploring the choices of American expatriate Isabel Archer. Prior screen versions include Campion’s Oscar-nominated movie starring Nicole Kidman and a 1968 BBC miniseries with Richard Chamberlain. The new adaptation is scripted by Rebecca Lenkiewicz and directed by Aisling Walsh, both noted for literary-drama projects.
Key Figures & Cast
- Isabel Archer – Nell Tiger Free (known for *Game of Thrones*)
- Madame Merle – Gemma Arterton (BAFTA-nominee)
- Gilbert Osmond – Jim Sturgess
- Mr. Touchett – Bill Nighy (Oscar-nominee, BAFTA winner)
- Mrs. Touchett – Miranda Richardson (Oscar-nominee, BAFTA winner)
Supporting roles include Jack Wolfe, Calypso Cragg, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Hugh Skinner, Hamish Frew, Thomas Coombes, Lydia Leonard and Dean-Charles Chapman. Production is overseen by Number 9 Films’ Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen, with FEG handling worldwide sales.
Official Statements & Responses
“The classic was far ahead of its time.” — Stephen Woolley, Number 9 Films boss
“The caliber of talent behind this series is exceptional.” — Suzanne Simpson, Masterpiece scripted-content chief
What’s Next
The series is slated for a 2027 release on PBS Masterpiece and the BBC, following completion of principal photography later this year. The BBC has pre-bought the series, continuing its long-standing partnership with Masterpiece on co-productions such as *Wolf Hall* and *Miss Austen*.
