BBC plans TV treatment for Tolstoy

Published on 19/02/2013 00:00

The classic novel War And Peace is to be adapted for television by the BBC.

Leo Tolstoy’s work, which is most popularly known as one of the longest stories ever written, will be produced as a six-part series, adapted by writer Andrew Davies.

The novel was previously dramatised as a mammoth 
20-part series starring Anthony Hopkins, screened in 1972.

The new adaptation will be broadcast by BBC1 in 2015 and casting details are still to be 
finalised.

BBC1 Controller Danny Cohen said: “War and Peace is truly epic in scale and builds on BBC1’s commitment to bringing audiences drama of the highest quality and impact.

“Told over six episodes, Andrew Davies will bring his exceptional powers of adaptation to this literary masterpiece.”

Veteran screenwriter Davies has previously adapated Pride and Prejudice, Middlemarch and Sense And Sensibility.