ITV’s new ‘Vanity Fair’ adaptation begins filming in Budapest

Filming has started on ITV’s upcoming Vanity Fair mini-series.

Adapted from English novelist William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel by Gwyneth Hughes (Dark Angel, Miss Austen Regrets), the series is being produced by Mammoth Screen, the makers of Victoria and Poldark.

The official synopsis reads: “Gwyneth Hughes’ adaptation of Thackeray’s literary classic is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, and follows Becky Sharp as she attempts to claw her way out of poverty and scale the heights of English Society.

“Her story of “villainy, crime, merriment, lovemaking, jilting, laughing, cheating, fighting and dancing”, takes her all the way to the court of King George IV, via the Battle of Waterloo, breaking hearts and losing fortunes as she goes.”

It was announced in July that Olivia Cooke, best known for her role as Emma in A&E’s hit TV series Bates Motel, will star as heroine Becky Sharp.

The seven-part drama‘s shoot is now underway in Budapest, Hungary, before further filming moves to locations in and around London.

Vanity Fair will premiere in 2018 on ITV in the UK and as an Amazon Prime Exclusive in the US.

Morgan Wandell, Head of International Series, Amazon Studios commented: “We’re thrilled to be working with ITV on what is truly a timeless tale of navigating around hierarchical society and class, and the parallels that exist today.

“Olivia [Cooke] is joined by a renowned ensemble cast and we’re excited to be debuting this contemporary take to our customers next year.”