Watch first trailer for new adaptation of Dickens’ classic ‘David Copperfield’

The Personal History of David Copperfield looks like a lot of fun in its first trailer.

Described as “a fresh and distinctive take on Charles Dickens’ semi-autobiographical masterpiece,” the new movie has been written and directed by The Thick of It creator Armando Iannucci.

Dev Patel, best known for his roles in Slumdog Millionaire and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, stars as David Copperfield.

Set in 1840s London, The Personal History of David Copperfield features an incredible supporting cast, including Tilda Swinton, Hugh Laurie, Peter Capaldi, Ben Whishaw, Paul Whitehouse, Aneurin Barnard, Daisy May Cooper, Morfydd Clark, Benedict Wong, and Gwendoline Christie.

Watch the trailer:

The official synopsis for the movie reads: “From birth to infancy, from adolescence to adulthood, the good-hearted David Copperfield is surrounded by kindness, wickedness, poverty and wealth, as he meets an array of remarkable characters in Victorian England.

“As David sets out to be a writer, in his quest for family, friendship, romance and status, the story of his life is the most seductive tale of all.”

The Personal History of David Copperfield arrives in cinemas early next year.

Charles Dickens’ novel David Copperfield is available on Amazon.