ITV, BritBox ready Cary Grant drama biopic starring Jason Isaacs

UK commercial broadcaster ITV has commissioned a drama series about the life of actor Cary Grant, with Jason Isaacs cast in the lead role and BritBox on board as an international coproduction partner.

Cary Grant

The four-part drama, titled Archie, is being written by screenwriter Jeff Pope. Harry Potter franchise star Isaacs will play Hollywood icon Grant, who starred in films including Bringing Up Baby and North By Northwest.

The drama will be produced by ITV Studios, with BritBox International as coproduction partner. The project has received the blessing of Cary Grant’s daughter, Jennifer Grant, and ex-wife Dyan Cannon. Pope has interviewed both women extensively, among many other sources, and both will have executive producer credits.

The series will premiere on ITV’s soon-to-launch free streaming service, ITVX, and then air on the linear channel “months later,” ITV said.

Paul Andrew Williams, who has previously worked with Pope on A Confession, will direct the series. His other credits include London to Brighton, Song for Marion and Murdered for Being Different. Rebecca Hodgson (Sherwood, The Irregulars, Deep Water, The Road to Coronation Street) will produce.

Archie was commissioned for ITV by head of drama Polly Hill. Pope will executive produce the series on behalf of ITV Studios, with Diederick Santer exec producing for BritBox International.

ITV Studios will handle international distribution.