Classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo is coming to U and U&Drama this summer in a new eight-part adaptation

UKTV reports it has acquired the UK premiere of the English-speaking miniseries The Count of Monte Cristo (8×60’) for its free-to-air channel U&Drama and streaming service U. The epic historical adventure drama, directed by Bille August and starring Sam Claflin (Daisy Jones & the Six) and Jeremy Irons (House of Gucci), is based on Alexandre Dumas’s classic novel of the same name.

While Dumas is perhaps better known as the writer of the much adapted The Three Musketeers, this story is also often adapted.

If you’ve never seen a version, here’s the summary of the story:

Falsely accused of treason, Edmond Dantes (Claflin), a young sailor, is imprisoned without trial in the Château d’If, a grim island fortress off Marseille. After many years of captivity, he finally escapes and assumes the identity of the wealthy and enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo. With his newfound resources, he embarks on a journey of revenge on those who have wrongly accused him.

Alongside Claflin and Irons, the series also stars Blake Ritson (The Gilded Age), Karla-Simone Spence (The Confessions of Frannie Langton), Harry Taurasi (The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent), Poppy Corby Tuech (The Royals), Ana Girardot (The Wages of Fear), and Gabriella Pession (Tell Me Lies).

The series is due this summer — we’ll bring you the trailer as and when we can.