New BBC And Netflix Crime Drama 'The Serpent' With Jenna Coleman Looks So Good
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Jenna Coleman and Ellie Bamber are set to star in a gritty new crime drama based on the true story of a notorious murderer dubbed the 'bikini killer', Charles Sobhraj.
A co-production between BBC One and Netflix, The Serpent follows the life of Sobhraj, one of the most elusive criminals of the twentieth century, and his partner in crime (and love) Marie-Andrée Leclerc, played by Victoria star Coleman.
The eight-part series, which is currently being filmed in Thailand, also stars Les Misérables star Ellie Bamber - and if the super-starry cast isn't enough to whet your appetite, the story behind the series certainly will.
Sobhraj (played by Tahar Rahim) was the chief suspect in the unsolved murders of up to 20 young Western travellers across India, Thailand and Nepal's 'Hippie Trail' between 1975 and 1976.
Known as a psychopath, con man, thief and master of disguise, having slipped repeatedly from the grasp of authorities worldwide, by 1976 serial killer Sobhraj was Interpol's most wanted man and had arrest warrants on three different continents.
Netflix To Produce Serial Killer Drama 'The Serpent' on The Life Of Charles Sobhraj, Likely To Shoot At Nepalhttps://t.co/qP0e8WkVTS@netflix @BBCBreaking #Nepal pic.twitter.com/sZa1QpkDki
- moviemandu (@moviemandu) September 11, 2019
When Herman Knippenberg (Billy Howle), a junior diplomat at the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok, unwittingly walks into Sobhraj's intricate web of crime, he sets off an extraordinary chain of events that will see Knippenberg seek to bring Sobhraj to justice for his terrible crimes.
Speaking about her starring role, Jenna Coleman said: "The Serpent intoxicated me into the dark seductive world of Charles Sobhraj.
"I'm so looking forward to delving into hippie trail depths and bringing to life this unfathomable real life story alongside Tahar, Billy, Ellie, Tom, Richard and the wonderful cast and production team for the BBC and Netflix."
Co-star Billy Howle added: "When I heard about the story behind The Serpent, I couldn't believe what I was reading.
"What an interesting role, in a fascinating story, with a brilliant team behind it - shooting in such a great part of the world, as well. I feel really fortunate to be a part of this project."
And Ellie Bamber said: "I'm so honoured to join forces with Billy, Jenna, Tahar and The Serpent's incredibly accomplished cast and production team.
"Discovering the Knippenbergs' story has been every bit as inspiring as it is fascinating.
"Preethi Mavahalli, executive producer for Mammoth Screen, adds: "I'm delighted that Richard and Toby's exceptional scripts for The Serpent have attracted a cast of such extraordinary calibre.
"As we begin filming all the elements are in place to respectfully bring Herman Knippenberg's brave and determined story to the screen."
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The series is filming on location in Thailand and will premiere on BBC One in the UK, and on Netflix outside of the UK and Ireland.
