BBC’s ‘The War of the Worlds’ mini-series will ‘terrify the audience’

The writer of the BBC’s new War of the Worlds adaptation has described it as “a collision of sci-fi, period drama and horror.”

Based on H. G. Wells’s classic sci-fi novel, the three-part mini-series has been adapted for BBC One by Wallander writer Peter Harness.

The first ever version of the story to be set in the book’s original time period and location, rather than updated to modern times, The War of the Worlds will star Eleanor Tomlinson (Poldark), Rafe Spall (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting) and Rupert Graves (Sherlock).

Writer Peter Harness commented: “The version of The War of the Worlds that I wanted to make is one that’s faithful to the tone and the spirit of the book, but which also feels contemporary, surprising and full of shocks: a collision of sci-fi, period drama and horror.

“There is nothing cosy or predictable about Wells’ novel, and that’s what I want to capture in the show. We have an incredible cast, a brilliant director and a wonderful crew – and I can’t wait for them to explode the terrifying story of the first alien invasion on to our screens.”

Executive producer Damien Timmer added: “Here we are, making the original and best alien invasion story for the BBC One audience – it doesn’t get much better than this! With a stellar cast and some very scary Martians up our sleeve we look forward to terrifying large sections of the audience soon!’

Director Craig Viveiros said: “H.G. Wells’ seminal novel has been adapted for the screen many times but it’s always had a contemporary (and American) setting, this is the first version to be set in London and the Home Counties during the Edwardian period.

“Peter’s scripts manage to honour the source material with great skill, but we aim to provide a thoroughly modern thrill ride for the audience, delivering an alien invasion story that will shock and awe audiences across the globe.”

The official synopsis reads: “Set in Edwardian England, this new adaptation of H.G. Wells’ seminal tale follows George (Rafe Spall) and his partner Amy (Eleanor Tomlinson) as they attempt to defy society and start a life together.

“Rupert Graves is Frederick, George’s elder brother, and Robert Carlyle plays Ogilvy, an astronomer and scientist. The War of the Worlds tells their story as they face the escalating terror of an alien invasion, fighting for their lives against an enemy beyond their comprehension.”

The War of the Worlds is expected to air on BBC One in the UK later this year.

H. G. Wells’s The War of the Worlds novel is available on Amazon.