The Count of Monte Cristo arrives tonight on U&Drama
The latest adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo, starring Sam Claflin as Edmond Dantes is having its UK premiere today, Saturday 2 August, at 9pm on U&Drama.
First published as a serial from 1844 to 1846, The Count of Monte Cristo is an epic adventure novel by French author Alexandre Dumas. The story of revenge and personal redemption is a work of historical fiction, set during the period of the Bourbon Restoration in France. The story has been adapted many times for film, and television, including a 2002 film starring Jim Caviezel and a 2024 French adaptation starring Pierre Niney.
What is it about?
According to the synopsis:
Having just been promoted to captain on the eve of his wedding to the love of his life Mercedes (Ana Girardot), Edmond Dantes’ (played by Sam Claflin) future is suddenly snatched away by three selfish men, each intent on furthering his own cause.
Fifteen despairing years pass by before Edmond meets the Abbe Faria, a fellow inmate and learned man who shares his vast knowledge with the young man, including the whereabouts of a hidden treasure.
Edmond finally escapes, finds the treasure and transforms into the extremely wealthy and mysterious Count of Monte Cristo.
Who is in the cast?
The series boasts of a talented international cast, led by Sam Clafin as Edmond Dantès, Jeremy Irons as Abbé Faria, Blake Ritson as Danglars, Karla-Simone Spence as Haydée, Harry Taurasi as Fernand Mondego, Poppy Corby Tuech as Héloïse, Ana Girardot as Mercédès, and Gabriella Pession as Hermine
Who is behind it?
The series was produced by Palomar and DEMD Productions, and directed by acclaimed Danish director Bille August. It has already been acquired by numerous international stations, including PBS Masterpiece in the U.S. and UKTV in the U.K., along with TVE in Spain, RTS in Switzerland, and the Nordic PSB alliance which includes SVT, NRK, DR, YLE and RUV. The series has also been acquired by Poland through TVP, Hungary via TV2, and the Czech Republic on Ceska TV.