or


[06/30/08 - 08:03 AM]
Jim Caviezel and Ian Mckellen to Star in AMC's Reinterpretation of Cult Classic, the Prisoner
AMC is co-producing the six-part mini-series with ITV Productions and Granada International, with a worldwide premiere slated for 2009.

[via press release from AMC]

JIM CAVIEZEL AND IAN MCKELLEN TO STAR IN AMC'S REINTERPRETATION OF CULT CLASSIC, THE PRISONER

Six-Part Mini-Series Set to Premiere in 2009

New Series Furthers AMC's Cinematic Approach to Creating High-Quality Original Programming

New York, NY � June 30, 2008 � AMC, the network defining The Future of Classic, announced today that acclaimed film actors Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ, The Thin Red Line) and Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings, The Da Vinci Code) have signed on to star in the network's reinterpretation of the highly influential 1960's cult classic, The Prisoner. AMC is co-producing the six-part mini-series with ITV Productions and Granada International, with a worldwide premiere slated for 2009. The Prisoner, AMC's second original mini-series, combines a wide range of genres, including espionage, thriller and Sci-Fi, into a unique and compelling drama, and expands upon the network's distinctive cinematic approach to creating high-quality programming.

Caviezel will play the title role of "Number Six," a part that was originally made famous when played by Patrick McGoohan. McGoohan also served as the creator, producer, writer and director of the 1960's series, which has become widely regarded as one of the most famous and intriguing cult TV series ever created, permanently altering the scope of the fantasy genre. Two-time Oscar nominee Ian McKellen will co-star playing the role of "Number Two."

"Jim Caviezel and Ian McKellen bring an incredible level of talent to the project, and we're honored they are taking on these important roles. We look forward to this production revitalizing a classic and bringing Patrick McGoohan's brilliant and captivating story to an entirely new generation of viewers," stated Charlie Collier, AMC's general manager and executive vice president. "The caliber of Hollywood talent AMC is attracting further validates our programming vision and our successful strategy of producing quality cinematic originals that stand alongside our library of iconic movies."

"For those of us who were watching grown-up TV in the 60s, The Prisoner was dangerous, exciting and challenging TV. For those of us who were too young to stay up to watch the series, it casts a long shadow. You don't embark on something this iconic without the best team around to do it justice for a whole new era. With Bill Gallagher as writer, Trevor Hopkins as Producer, Michele Buck, Damien Timmer and Rebecca Keane as the UK Execs, AMC as production partners, ITV as UK Commissioners, and Jim Caviezel and Ian McKellen leading the cast, we have that team on board. I can't wait," said John Whiston, Director of ITV Productions.

"Bill Gallagher's new version of The Prisoner is an enthralling commentary on modern culture. It is witty, intelligent and disturbing. I am very excited to be involved," said Ian McKellen.

While the original series, which debuted in 1967, was a riff on Cold War politics, AMC's reinterpretation will reflect 21st Century concerns and anxieties, such as liberty, security, and surveillance, yet also showcase the same key elements of paranoia, tense action and socio-political commentary seen in McGoohan's enigmatic original.

"The Prisoner spawned an enormous group of zealous fans who thrived on each week's psychological twists and turns. AMC's version brings The Prisoner back to primetime, and we're tempted to discuss more details, but in the spirit of the series, what you DO know, may hurt you," said Christina Wayne, SVP of scripted original programming.

Jim Caviezel first received critical recognition for his role as idealist Private Witt in The Thin Red Line. The following year, he gained further recognition with roles in Ride with the Devil and Frequency. His roles as Jennifer Lopez's love interest in Angel Eyes followed by his work in The Count of Monte Cristo helped to establish him as a versatile actor and leading man. Caviezel was then chosen by Mel Gibson to star as Jesus Christ in the film The Passion of the Christ. The film went on to become one of the highest grossing movies of all-time and made Jim a household-name. Most recently Caviezel played against type when he co-starred opposite Denzel Washington in the thriller D�j� vu.

Ian McKellen is one of the world's foremost stage and screen actors and has been honoured with more than 40 International awards. Most recently, he received critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of "Gandalf" in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. McKellen's work has spanned genres from Shakespearean and modern theatre to fantasy and sci-fi, with other major film credits including Gods and Monsters, X-Men, Richard III and The Da Vinci Code.

The Prisoner mini-series is a co-production of AMC and ITV Productions; the deal was brokered by Granada International, which holds international distribution rights. Bill Gallagher (Conviction, Clocking Off, Lark Rise To Candleford) serves as writer and executive producer, along with Michele Buck, Damien Timmer, Rebecca Keane, and AMC's Charlie Collier, Christina Wayne and Vlad Wolynetz. It is produced by Trevor Hopkins (Dracula, Poirot), and directed by Jon Jones (Northanger Abbey, Cold Feet). Jim Caviezel's deal was coordinated by ICM. Creative Artists Agency orchestrated the deal on behalf of Ian McKellen.

About AMC

AMC is a multi-platform network that celebrates classic movies and high-quality scripted series. Among the elite services available in nearly 93 million homes (Source: Nielsen Media Research), AMC defines what it means to be a classic movie network today, creating a distinctive viewing experience that celebrates all that is enduringly cool, personal and powerfully relevant about movies. AMC's comprehensive library of popular movies strike a meaningful chord with its audience, and its critically-acclaimed slate of originals all have a cinematic quality that allow them to complement and be complemented by some of the best movies of all time. AMC is a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, which includes sister networks IFC, WE tv and Sundance Channel. AMC is THE FUTURE OF CLASSIC.

Rainbow Media Holdings LLC

Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media is a leading producer of targeted, multi-platform content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, WE tv, Sundance Channel, Lifeskool, sportskool, and VOOM HD Networks. Through IFC Entertainment, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a leading distribution company for independent film; IFC Productions, a feature film production company that provides financing for select independent film projects; and IFC Center, a three screen, state-of-the-art cinema in the heart of New York's Greenwich Village. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company; Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company; and 11 Penn TV, a company that manages Rainbow Media's NYC studios and post-production facilities.





  [june 2008]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S


· PRISONER, THE (AMC)





[01/20/25 - 02:01 AM]
Video: "Six Nations: Full Contact" Season 2 - First Look - Netflix
New coaches and fresh players have shaken up European rugby. As the whistle blows for the 2024 Guinness Six Nations Championship, it's anyone's to win.

[01/19/25 - 09:31 PM]
Take a Wild Ride from the Mandap Into Total Madness: "Dhoom Dhaam" Launches on Netflix on February 14
On the night of their wedding, mild-mannered Veer and spunky Koyal are unexpectedly pulled into a frenzied search for the mysterious "Charlie."

[01/19/25 - 03:17 PM]
Video: Paramount+ Debuts Official Trailer for Highly Anticipated Second Season of "1923" Premiering Sunday, February 23
In addition to Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, "1923" stars Brandon Sklenar, Julia Schlaepfer, Jerome Flynn, Darren Mann, Brian Geraghty, Aminah Nieves, Michelle Randolph, Sebastian Roché, Timothy Dalton and Jennifer Carpenter.

[01/19/25 - 01:31 PM]
FOX Sports Delivers 33.6 Million Viewers for Commanders-Lions NFC Divisional Game
Saturday's NFC Divisional showdown is projected to peak at 35.7 million viewers from 9:30-9:45 PM ET.

[01/17/25 - 07:01 PM]
Prime Video to Premiere Japanese Original Film, "Broken Rage," Directed, Written by, and Starring Takeshi Kitano, Exclusively on Prime Video on February 13
Directed, written by, and starring the legendary filmmaker Takeshi Kitano, who continues to receive worldwide acclaim, "Broken Rage" is based on his concept of exploring "comedy within a violent film."

[01/17/25 - 05:33 PM]
Video: New Trailer - "The Kardashians" Season Six
The season premieres February 6 with new episodes on Thursdays.

[01/17/25 - 05:31 PM]
Lunar New Year Must-Watch: Period Rom-Com Drama Series "Perfect Match" Premieres January 25
The series follows Madam Li (Ni Hong-jie) who moves her five beautiful daughters to the prosperous city of Bianjing to start a teahouse business.

[01/17/25 - 03:39 PM]
"Shifting Gears" Brings Tim Allen Back to ABC and Hulu in Style with 17 Million Total Audience to Date
"Shifting Gears" stood as ABC's strongest series debut in over six years - since 10/16/18 with "The Conners," and marks the most-watched ABC series premiere on streaming to date, based on views in its first seven days on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.

[01/17/25 - 12:15 PM]
CBS News Will Deliver Special Multiplatform Coverage of the Inauguration of Donald Trump on Jan. 20, 2025
John Dickerson, Maurice DuBois and Margaret Brennan will anchor "Inauguration Day in America - A CBS News Primetime Report," at 10:00/9:00c.

[01/17/25 - 10:34 AM]
Vice TV Schedules "Pitino: Red Storm Rising" Premiere
The six-part docuseries following Rick Pitino in his second season as head coach of the St. John's University men's basketball team, will premiere on Tuesday, February 11 (10:00-11:00 PM ET), with new episodes weekly.

[01/17/25 - 09:30 AM]
Video: We TV Releases Trailer and Key Art for "Love After Lockup: Crime Story"
In this new series, "Love After Lockup" cast favorites from the past and present reveal what led them to a life of crime and landed them behind bars.

[01/17/25 - 09:09 AM]
"Yellowstone" Official Podcast to Premiere on January 23
The weekly podcast, which launches on Thursday, January 23, will feature iHeartMedia's nationally-syndicated top on-air personality Bobby Bones as he dives into all things "Yellowstone," the smash-hit series.

[01/17/25 - 09:04 AM]
Oprah Winfrey to Introduce OWN's Premiere of NAACP Image Award-Nominated "Luther: Never Too Much" During OWN: Spotlight Presentation
The critically acclaimed film celebrates the vocal virtuoso and chronicles the obstacles and triumphs he had along the way to become one of the most decorated and influential artists of all time.

[01/17/25 - 09:01 AM]
Video: "American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson" - Official Trailer - Netflix
The white Bronco. The gloves. The trial of the century. This documentary series investigates the shocking murder case that became a cultural phenomenon.

[01/17/25 - 09:00 AM]
Glory Returns to Rome on January 21 When "Gladiator II" Streams on Paramount+
Over the course of the 28 days following the sequel's release, the original film saw a massive 96% lift in viewership.