First Look At Jason Isaacs as Cary Grant in ITVX Biopic Series ‘Archie’
ITVX has released a set of “first look” photos of Jason Isaacs as the iconic actor Cary Grant in ‘Archie‘, the four-part biopic-drama about the life of Hollywood’s leading man, premiering on the streaming platform in November 2023.
Born in Bristol, England in 1904, to parents Elsie and Elias, ‘Archie’ narrates the story of a young Archibald Alexander Leach’s troubled childhood and how extreme poverty, his father’s adultery and the loss of his older brother, John, tore the family apart and sent his loving mother into a downward spiral of grief and depression. Written by award-winning screenwriter Jeff Pope (‘Philomena’, ‘Cilla’, ‘The Reckoning’), his scripts reveal how deceit, cruelty and one, overpowering lie shaped Archie’s life.
At 14 he auditioned for the music hall act, the Bob Pender Troupe, a band of acrobats, stilt walkers, clowns and comedians after seeing them perform at the Bristol Hippodrome. Lean and athletic, he learned the art of stilt walking, and when the troupe went on tour to the US, teenage Archie was intoxicated by the land of opportunity. Believing he was not wanted by his family in the UK, he decided to stay in the US to try to make his way in show business.
With no thoughts of acting, a chance meeting with the comedian George Burns helped him find his first footing on the acting ladder and a contract with a movie studio who felt he needed to change his name, and Cary Grant was born.
The drama intercuts with scenes from 1961 when at the height of his fame, living in Benedict Canyon, Los Angeles, the legendary actor was breaking all box office records, but desperately unhappy in his private life. With two failed marriages behind him, he began to woo an actress he’d seen on a TV show, Dyan Cannon. Thirty-three years his junior, Dyan, didn’t initially fall for his charms turning down his attempts to meet, because she didn’t feel they could ever be a match. Dashingly handsome, suave and sophisticated, Cary continued to pursue her, with introductions to his famous friends, until they eventually wed in Las Vegas in 1965.
The series also stars Laura Aikman (Not Going Out, Gavin and Stacey) as Cary’s formidable ex-wife, actress and filmmaker Dyan Cannon, with Harriet Walter (Succession, Ted Lasso, Killing Eve) as Elsie Leach, Cary’s mother. Dainton Anderson (Patrick Melrose), Calam Lynch (Bridgerton) and Oaklee Pendergast (Home) play young versions of Archie Leach, and Kara Tointon (Mr Selfridge, The Halcyon, Sound of Music Live) plays young Elsie.
The striking images reveal Jason Isaacs for the first time channelling Cary Grant, looking suave, debonair and exuding all the elegance and style associated with one of the greatest Hollywood icons.
The series is produced by Etta Pictures (Pope’s ITV Studios label), and directed by BAFTA-winning Paul Andrew Williams (‘Broadchurch’, ‘London to Brighton’, ‘Murdered for Being Different’, ‘A Confession’), who also serves as an Executive Producer, and produced by BAFTA-winning Rebecca Hodgson (‘Free Rein’, ‘Sherwood’, ‘Stolen’). BritBox International is the co-production partner.
Archie is a four-episode drama commissioned by ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill for ITVX. With the blessing of Cary Grant’s daughter, Jennifer Grant, and ex-wife Dyan Cannon, the pair serve as Executive Producers. Jeff Pope executive produces the series for Etta Pictures with Diederick Santer for BritBox International. The series will air on ITV in the UK, and on BritBox in all its territories: North America, Australia, South Africa and the Nordics.
‘Archie‘ does not yet have an exact premiere date, but will air in November 2023 on ITVX in the UK. If you want to keep track of this or any other show, you can add it via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date.
