Eight-part War of the Worlds series is a contemporary re-imagining

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Earlier this year, the BBC went into production on a three-part mini-series adaptation of H.G. Wells' 1897 novel The War of the Worlds, one which I'm really excited to see because it's actually set at the turn of the 20th century like the novel was.

Adaptations of War of the World tend to be set during the same time period when they were released, as Byron Haskin's 1953 film (pictured above) and Steven Spielberg's 2005 film were. That's the same approach Canal+ and Fox Networks Group Europe & Africa are taking with their own mini-series take on the material.

Produced by Urban Myth Films in association with StudioCanal, the eight-part series is described as a contemporary re-imagining. Written and created by Howard Overman, this version of the story begins when

astronomers detect a transmission from another galaxy, definitive proof of intelligent extra-terrestrial life. Earth's population waits for further contact with baited breath, but does not have to wait long. Within days, mankind is all but wiped out, with just pockets of humanity are left in an eerily deserted world. As alien ships appear in the sky, the survivors ask a burning question — who are these attackers and why are they hell-bent on our destruction? 

Overman will be executive producing the show with Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps. Production is expected to begin this fall. The series will be airing on Canal+ in France and on Fox in more than 50 countries across Europe and Africa sometime in 2019.

The writer had this to say about his reworking of Wells' story: 

In many ways H.G. Wells’ novel is a cautionary tale of racial superiority and ethnic conflict. It is these themes that I wanted to explore more fully in my modern re-imagining. I look forward to bringing our bold, fresh and relatable version, inspired by this much-loved story to a new audience."

This show could be cool, but the period piece mini-series is still the one I'm most looking forward to.