Disney+ UK Commissions Sci-Fi Original Nautilus

Disney+ has ordered the U.K. original live-action drama series Nautilus, based on Jules Verne’s classic novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

Produced jointly by British companies Moonriver TV and Seven Stories, the epic ten-part adventure series reveals the never-before-told origin story of Verne’s most iconic character, Captain Nemo, and his legendary submarine, The Nautilus.

Nautilus tells Verne’s story from Nemo’s point of view: an Indian Prince robbed of his birthright and family, a prisoner of the East India Company and a man bent on revenge against the forces which have taken everything from him.

Johanna Devereaux, director of scripted original content, said, “Jules Verne’s story is a beloved classic all around the world. It’s a huge privilege to bring The Nautilus and her crew to life again in such a bold, exciting way, with a diverse team of creative talent and on-screen characters. The series will be breathtaking, action-packed and a huge amount of fun.”

James Dormer, writer and executive producer, said, “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of the amazing team that is coming together to tell this rip-roaring adventure and to do so with Disney+. I fell in love with the idea of being able to tell the story of Nemo and The Nautilus the moment that Xav and Anand brought it to me; if anything, it’s more relevant now than it was when Verne first conceived of it 150 years ago.”

Xavier Marchand and Anand Tucker, producers, added, “Jules Verne’s imagination has taken millions of readers on magical, mysterious and breathtaking journeys in his wonderful novels, mixing rip-roaring action with awe-inspiring natural wonders and a prophetic understanding of science. Verne’s characters are larger than life mavericks, none more than the iconic antihero and forward-looking genius Captain Nemo. With Disney+, we are so excited to introduce a whole new generation to the incredible worlds of this greatest of storytellers, following Nemo and his crew on thrilling adventures beneath the waves.”

Additionally, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett has been cast to lead the U.K. Star original Culprits, a heist series from executive producer Stephen Garrett (The Undoing, The Night Manager) and filmmaker J Blakeson (I Care A Lot, The Disappearance of Alice Creed). Stewart-Jarrett currently stars in the Lena Dunham-produced HBO Max dramedy series Generation and up next will star in Oscar-winner Jordan Peele’s reboot of the classic horror film Candyman.

Rosa Salazar will take the lead in the U.K. Star original and romantic comedy action thriller Wedding Season. Most recently, Salazar finished filming Netflix’s limited series adaptation of the horror revenge novel Brand New Cherry Flavor.