Novel written by Princess Diana's brother to get on-screen adaptation
To Catch A King: Charles II's Great Escape, a novel written by Charles Spencer, the younger brother of Princess Diana, is all set to get an onscreen adaptation. Academy award-nominated writing team comprising Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope are attached to the project as its writers. It is not known yet if the screen adaptation of the novel will be a film or series.
Why does this story matter?
The story revolves around the true story of Charles II's six weeks on the run from Oliver Cromwell's army in England after his failed attempt to reclaim his father's throne. The novel has incredible stories of the prince, like him hiding under a tree to dodge the troops by disguising himself as a servant. This enthralling story getting an onscreen adaptation will be interesting.
Novel is based on King Charles II's account
Coogan's London-headquartered production company Baby Cow, founded in 1999, has bagged the adaptation rights to the novel. Spencer's book is based on the account of King Charles II as told to the England Navy's administrator and Member of Parliament Samuel Pepys, his letters and diaries. The novel was published in October, 2017. Details regarding the cast and crew are not officially declared yet.
What did Coogan, Spencer say of this project?
As per Coogan, To Catch a King is a "coming-of-age story of a young man who has to give up his privilege in order to survive." Meanwhile, Spencer said, it is "one of the most thrilling episodes in British royal history." Notably, Spencer has worked for years as a journalist, television broadcaster, and author and has also written Blenheim: Battle for Europe (2004).
Coogan-Pope's previous work had won several laurels
Separately, Coogan and Pope have collaborated for the noted film, Philomena. The 2013 movie, starring Coogan and Judi Dench, got four Academy Award nominations and had also won a BAFTA for Best Adapted Screenplay. The upcoming drama, The Lost King has also been penned by them. This film revolves around a historian and his exploration to find the mortal remains of King Richard III.
