Jason Isaacs, the BAFTA-nominated actor known for his roles in Harry Potter, The Patriot, and The OA, is set to portray one of the most celebrated and influential stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Cary Grant, in a new biographical series titled Archie. The series, which premiered on ITVX on November 23, 2023, and will air on ITV soon, explores the life and career of the man who was born Archibald Alexander Leach in Bristol, England, in 1904 and rose to fame and fortune as Cary Grant, the epitome of charm, elegance, and sophistication on the silver screen.
The series, which consists of four episodes, spans from Grant’s childhood in poverty and his early days in vaudeville to his breakthrough in Hollywood and his iconic roles in films such as Bringing Up Baby, North by Northwest, and Charade. The series also delves into Grant’s personal life, including his troubled relationships with his mother, his five wives, and his daughter, as well as his struggles with identity, fame, and happiness.
A Meticulous Transformation for Isaacs
To play the legendary actor, Isaacs underwent a meticulous transformation, spending hours in the makeup chair to accurately capture Grant’s look at different stages of his life. He also studied Grant’s mannerisms, voice, and accent and watched his films repeatedly to get into his character. Isaacs said that he was initially hesitant to take on the role, as he felt that Grant was “unplayable” and “too perfect.”. However, he was intrigued by the script, written by Jeff Pope, which revealed the complex and conflicted man behind the glamorous persona.
Isaacs said that he was fascinated by Grant’s journey from a poor and lonely boy in Bristol, who was abandoned by his father and told that his mother had died (when she was committed to a mental institution), to a world-famous and wealthy star, who was adored by millions but never felt truly loved or accepted. Isaacs said that Grant was constantly reinventing himself and that he was “a brilliant actor playing a brilliant part.”.
A Star-Studded Cast and Crew
Isaacs is joined by a star-studded cast and crew in Archie. The series features Kara Tointon as Young Elsie, Grant’s mother; Harriet Walter as Elsie Leach, Grant’s mother in later years; Jason Watkins as Stanley Fox, Grant’s agent; Laura Aikman as Dyan Cannon, Grant’s fourth wife; and Ian McNeice as Alfred Hitchcock, Grant’s frequent director and friend. The series also features Calam Lynch, Dainton Anderson, and Oaklee Pendergast as younger versions of Archie; and Lily Travers, Lolly Jones, Stella Stocker, Christian Lees, and Alexandra Guelff as Grace Kelly, Mae West, Audrey Hepburn, George Burns, and Doris Day, respectively.
The series is directed by Paul Andrew Williams, who has previously worked on Broadchurch, The Bay, and A Confession. The executive producers are Jennifer Grant, Grant’s daughter; Dyan Cannon, Grant’s ex-wife; and Jeff Pope, the writer and creator of the series. Pope is an acclaimed screenwriter and producer who has won multiple awards for his works, such as Philomena, Stan & Ollie, and A Very English Scandal. Pope said that he was inspired to write Archie after reading Grant’s autobiography and watching his films. He said that he wanted to show the human side of Grant, who was “a man of immense talent, charisma, and generosity, but also a man of deep flaws, insecurities, and pain.”.
A Critical and Commercial Success
Archie has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, who have praised the series for its compelling and nuanced portrayal of Grant’s life and legacy. The series has also been a commercial success, attracting millions of viewers on ITVX, the streaming service of ITV, and generating a lot of buzz on social media. The series is expected to be broadcast on ITV soon and to reach international markets shortly.
Archie is a must-watch for fans of Cary Grant and anyone interested in the history and glamour of Hollywood. The series offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of one of the greatest and most beloved actors of all time, who was, as Isaacs said, “a man who made the world fall in love with him, but who never quite managed to love himself.”.
