Netflix announces ‘Lost’-style mystery period drama ‘1899’
New international period drama 1899 has begun filming in Germany.
Unravelling the stories of its multi-character cast in the vein of Lost, the upcoming mystery series comes from the creators of Netflix’s award-winning German series Dark.
1899 will follow the mysterious circumstances around the voyage of an immigrant ship from Europe to New York at the end of the 19th century.
Watch an atmospheric teaser for a taste of what to expect:
1899 is described as “a multi-language series,” with the characters speaking in their own language.
The official synopsis reads: “The passengers, all of different backgrounds and nationalities, are united by their hopes and dreams for a new century and their future abroad.
“When they discover a second ship adrift on the open sea that had gone missing for months, their journey takes an unexpected turn.
“What they find on board will turn their passage to the promised land into a nightmare-like riddle, connecting each of the passenger’s pasts through a web of secrets.”
British cast members include Emily Beecham (Cruella), Anton Lesser (Endeavour), and Aneurin Barnard (War & Peace).
The eight-part drama will be filmed using a newly custom built virtual production stage at Babelsberg Studios, located just outside Berlin.
The stage contains the largest LED “Volume” of its kind in Europe, allowing the production team to capture a significant amount of complex visual effects shots during filming, using virtual sets and locations rather than having the stars act against a green screen.
English-American actress Emily Beecham told Empire: “We’re shooting on a ship and it gives you seasickness. Well, not that bad, but you get that feeling like you’re moving, which is so useful.”
She explained: “It’s like being in a virtual reality world, that stage, like a giant playground, it’s fun!”
Dark creators Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar are reteaming with a number of their previous collaborators on Dark, including director of photography Nikolaus Summerer, and composer Ben Frost.
Rachel Eggebeen, Director EMEA Netflix Originals, commented: “We are extremely happy that we could support Jantje and Bo in finding a perfect solution for their creative vision for 1899.”
A first look at the cast in costume reveals, from left to right, Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese, José Pimentão, Mathilde Ollivier, Miguel Bernardeau, Jonas Bloquet, Yann Gael, Andreas Pietschmann, Emily Beecham, Isabella Wei, Maciej Musial, Gabby Wong, Rosalie Craig, Aneurin Barnard, Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen, Clara Rosager, Maria Erwolter, and Alexandre Willaume:
Writer, producer and showrunner Jantje Friese said: “1899 is a truly European series with characters from various countries speaking in the language of their origin.”
She added: “We feel very fortunate to have found amazing talent from all over the world to venture into this exciting journey with us.”
1899 will premiere exclusively on Netflix around the world in 2022.
Emily Beecham also stars in the BBC’s new adaptation of The Pursuit of Love, which begins this weekend.
Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of Love novel is available on Amazon.