Richard Gere Returns to TV in MotherFatherSon

Richard Gere (Chicago, Pretty Woman) is set to star in the original eight-part drama MotherFatherSon for BBC Two.

Gere will play Max, a charismatic self-made American businessman with media outlets in London and around the world. Starring alongside Gere are Helen McCrory (Peaky Blinders, Harry Potter) and Billy Howle (Witness for the Prosecution, On Chesil Beach).

The original drama was created and written by Tom Rob Smith (Child 44, London Spy, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story) and will be made by BBC Studios Drama London.

Gere said: “It’s been almost 30 years since I worked in television. I’m so pleased to be working now with the BBC on this extraordinary eight-hour project with such talented people and which resonates so much to the time we live in.”

McCrory added: “Tom Rob Smith has written the most astonishing script—completely original and full of surprises.”

Howle remarked: “I feel humbled to be given the opportunity to portray such a complex role with such a specific set of challenges, for me as a person and an actor. I really hope that I can do it justice. And what better people to be collaborating with?! I can’t wait to get going.”

Smith commented: “Telling this story was always going to depend upon gathering an extraordinary cast. Richard Gere has starred in some of the most famous movies of all time. His roles are iconic and complex. He’s joined by the remarkable Helen McCrory, showcasing heartbreaking emotional tenderness and immense power. And completing the central family is Billy Howle, one of the most exciting young actors I’ve ever had the privilege of watching perform. Under the brilliant direction of James Kent, the show promises to be something special for the BBC.”

Piers Wenger, controller of BBC Drama, added: “The scripts for MotherFatherSon seal Tom Rob Smith’s reputation as one of the most individual and original writers of his age. We are thrilled that in Richard, Helen and Billy he has found the perfect eponymous lead characters to bring his series to life.”

Hilary Salmon, executive producer for BBC Studios Drama London, said: “When we embarked on casting this show we didn’t dare dream of the quality and status of cast we now have in place. What a tribute to Tom Rob Smith’s compelling, emotional and politically timely scripts.”