HISTORY Lines Up Houdini Mini-Series with Adrien Brody

NEW YORK: HISTORY has greenlit the new four-hour scripted mini-series Houdini, in which Academy Award-winner Adrien Brody will take on the title role as the ace magician.

Brody (The Pianist) is joined by Kristen Connolly (House of Cards, The Cabin in the Woods), who plays his wife Bess. The mini-series will explore Houdini’s life, starting from desperate poverty and ascending to worldwide fame. The project will be co-produced for HISTORY by Lionsgate and A+E Studios. 

“It’s not magic that HISTORY has established a strong track record with its high-quality historical dramas from quality auspices. We’re excited to build on that tremendous momentum with Houdini,” said Dirk Hoogstra, the executive VP and general manager for HISTORY. “The Great Harry Houdini is a fascinating man in history and I have no doubt that Adrien Brody will bring the magician’s riveting story to life for our audience.”

“It’s exciting to be working with HISTORY, Adrien and our extraordinary creative and producing partners on Houdini,” added Kevin Beggs, the president of Lionsgate Television Group. “We’re also delighted to be expanding Lionsgate’s overall relationship with A+E Networks.”

“Since my childhood, when I dreamed of being a great magician, Harry Houdini has been one of my heroes,” said Brody. “His bravery and obsessive determination still fascinate me. Houdini mastered the art of escape—not only from physical chains, but from poverty and the social constraints of a humble immigrant origin. His life story appeals to the universal longing for acceptance with which we all can identify. To portray him is beyond an honor.”