It is a great year for Terry Pratchett fans! First got to see a live-action take on ‘Good Omens‘, some movement on the animated feature ‘The Amazing Maurice‘, and now some casting news has been released for ‘The Watch,’ the 8-episode BBC America miniseries that is inspired by the deceased author’s “Discworld” series. ‘The Watch’ is being described as a “punk rock” drama and will follow the city watch of the fictional city of Ankh-Morpork where crime has been legalized. We’ve just learned that Anna Chancellor (‘Pennyworth’) and James Fleet (‘Outlander’) are the latest additions to the cast.
Chancellor is set to play Lord Vetinari, who is “the Patrician of Ankh-Morpork, and architect of the city’s normalized wrongness and ramshackle system of governance.” She has shared her excitement about her new role:
“It’s been so exciting to join such a wonderfully creative team – from writer Simon Allen to the stunning production design and a truly talented group of actors – to help realize Terry Prachett’s brilliantly anarchic yet strangely real and moving world. With the combining characteristics of Dracula and Elvis – Lord Vetinari has sprung to life in the most alarmingly joyful way.”
As for Fleet, he will be playing The Archchancellor, who is “a wizard, magical advisor, and the Head of the Unseen University.” As for his work on the show, he wanted to add:
“I’m delighted to be playing the Archchancellor. I think the writing and design catch the spirit of Terry Pratchett’s work and create a world of jeopardy and humor.”
The two are joining an already impressive cast which consists of Ingrid Oliver (‘Doctor Who’), Ruth Madeley (‘The Rook’), Hakeem Kae-Kazim (‘Dynasty’), Bianca Simone Mannie (‘Homeland’), Adam Hugill, Jo Eaton-Kent, Marama Corlett, Lara Rossi, and Sam Adewunmi.
Are you looking forward to checking out ‘The Watch’? Did any of the stories from Terry Pratchett’s books resonate with you that you’d like to see adapted in this series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: Deadline
