ITV has commissed The Frankenstein Chronicles, a “thrilling and terrifying re-imagining” of the Frankenstein myth for ITV Encore.

The six-part period crime drama will star Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings) as Inspector John Marlott and will incorporate “elements from the investigative and horror genres”.

Set in Regency London in 1827, The Frankenstein Chronicles is created by Benjamin Ross (The Young Poisoner’s Handbook) and Barry Langford (Torte Bluma).

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Writer Benjamin Ross commented: “Marlott’s investigation takes him into the dark corners of Regency London. He discovers an underworld of prostitution, drug smuggling, bodysnatching, and murder for profit.  The rational evidence points first one-way and then another as he contemplates a frightening alternate scenario.”

ITV’s Director of Drama, Steve November added: “The Frankenstein Chronicles is an epic re-working of one of literature and cinema’s most iconic stories. We’re delighted to be working with Benjamin Ross, Barry Langford and the team at Rainmark Films with the vision to bring Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein back to life.”

The official synopsis reads: “In the drama’s opening sequences, the Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel, following a successful operation by Thames River Police to apprehend a gang of opium smugglers, recruits Marlott.

“As he stands on the water’s edge contemplating the arrest of the smugglers, Marlott makes a shocking discovery.  The body of a dead child is washed up on the shore and on further examination of the corpse he is horrified to discover it’s not actually a child but rather a crude assembly of body parts arranged in a grotesque parody of a human form.  The mutilated child-like body leaves an indelible impression on Marlott and he finds himself unable to shake off the memory of what has happened that fateful night.

“With a formidable reputation as an investigator, he is known as a man who “doesn’t know the meaning of fear,” so it comes as no surprise when coldly efficient Peel, summons him insisting the “details of your investigation must remain confidential.” And after what he’s witnessed Marlott accepts the challenge to track the perpetrator of this heinous crime.

“We follow him as he pursues the crazed killer behind the mutilated body.  As he investigates, Marlott discovers that what he’s dealing with is more horrific than he could possibly have imagined.”

The Frankenstein Chronicles will begin filming in Northern Ireland in January.

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