Oscar-nominated screenwriter Jeff Pope, known for his work on “Philomena,” is teaming up with Xavier Marchand of Moonriver TV to bring a new limited series to life. Titled “Castle of the Eagles,” the six-episode show is based on the true story of Allied prisoners of war who orchestrated a daring escape from a fortified Italian castle during World War II. The project will be presented at the MIA Market in Rome, which takes place from October 14th to 18th.
The series, written by Pope and adapted from Mark Felton’s book of the same name, is a collaboration between Moonriver and Pope’s production label Etta Pictures, a part of ITV Studios. Actor Jason Isaacs, known for his role in the “Harry Potter” series, is set to star in a lead role.
Set in 1943, the story revolves around a group of Allied soldiers and officers imprisoned in Castello Vincigliata, a fortress turned into a prison by the Fascist army of Benito Mussolini. Among the captives are high-ranking officials with valuable information, including the British breakthrough in decoding the Enigma machine used by Nazi Germany. The potential transfer of these prisoners to Hitler’s gestapo poses a significant threat to the war effort and the fate of Western civilization.
Pope, who leads ITV’s factual drama division, describes “Castle of the Eagles” as a thrilling tale of a miraculous prison break that required the prisoners to dig tunnels beneath the fortress walls. The series delves into the complexities of the war and the political landscape of Europe during that time.
Marchand, the former president of production at eOne Features, sees the show as a poignant story of male camaraderie and hopes to find an Italian partner for production during MIA. With a focus on filming in Tuscany, the series aims to capture the emotional essence of the characters and their journey.
Drawing inspiration from iconic WWII dramas like “The Great Escape,” Pope emphasizes the unique aspect of older men undertaking the daring escape in “Castle of the Eagles.” The characters, many in their 50s and 60s, defy age stereotypes and showcase their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
The series promises to be a blend of thriller, psychological drama, and social commentary, exploring themes of extremism, camaraderie, and the human spirit. With a talented team behind the project, “Castle of the Eagles” is set to captivate audiences with its gripping narrative and compelling characters.
