Amazon and Electus have set the cast for the Giacomo Casanova drama pilot, which is being directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amelie). Diego Luna (Elysium, Y Tu Mamá También) has been tapped for the title role, with Bojana Novakovic, Miranda Richardson, Ben Daniels and Amelia Clarkson co-starring.
The untitled project, which is currently filming in Europe, chronicles a little-known period in the life of the famous 18th century renaissance man. Known primarily as a womanizer, Casanova (Luna) actually served as a spy for the Parisian government. The show begins after he breaks free from Venice’s most impenetrable prison and moves to Paris with nothing—determined to start his life over after his wild ways left him behind bars. Following a journey full of passionate romance and incredible danger, the series will reveal the other side of the infamous Venetian, whose talents ranged from diplomacy to music to linguistics.
Novakovic plays the famous French royal mistress Madame de Pompadour, Richardson is Marquise d’Urfé, Daniels portrays Francois-Joachim de Bernis, and Clarkson plays Manon Balletti.
Stu Zicherman (The Americans) wrote the script and is executive producing with Electus’ Ben Silverman (Jane the Virgin, Marco Polo). Sarah Caplan (Ray Donovan) serves as co-executive producer. The finished pilot will be made available on Amazon later this year.
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