Gemma Arterton has been cast in BBC’s adaptation of iconic novel ‘Black Narcissus’.
The 33-year-old actress will take the lead as Sister Clodagh in the three part drama based on Rumer Godden’s classic1939 tale of sexual repression and forbidden love.
Gemma’s character, who travel to Nepal to set up a branch of their order in the remote palace of Mopu.
Settling at the so-called House of Women, Clodagh become increasingly attracted to land agent Mr. Dean (Alessandra Nivola), but her own repressed memories become entangled with the tragic history of Princess Srimati.
The chilling story will leave viewers wondering if there really are ghosts in the Himalayas, or if the nuns are just succumbing to long-repressed primal desires.
The all-star cast will also feature Aisling Franciosi as Sister Ruth Diana Digg as Mother Dorothea and Jim Broadbent as Father Roberts.
Writer Amanda Coe has penned the script, and she is delighted to be working on such an "extraordinary love story".
She said: "I’m thrilled to be adapting Black Narcissus for BBC One. It’s a truly extraordinary love story, as well as a brilliantly unsettling piece of 20th century gothic about the power of a place to get under your skin and the dangers of refusing to learn from history."
Charlotte Bruus Christensen makes her directorial debut on the project – which will start filming next month – having previously worked as director of photography on the likes of ‘A Quiet Place’ and ‘Girl On A Train’.
The novel was previously adapted in 1947, when it won two Academy Awards for cinematography and art direction.
Gemma Arterton leads Black Narcissus cast for BBC One adaptation
