Latest news with #AroundtheWorldinEightyDays
Wales Online
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
David Tennant's Around the World in 80 Days hailed as 'action-filled, fast-moving delight'
David Tennant's Around the World in 80 Days hailed as 'action-filled, fast-moving delight' The latest adaptation of Jules Verne's 1872 novel has been a huge hit with fans of historical period dramas and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now David Tennant in Around the World in 80 Days (Image: BBC / Slim 80 Days ) There have been countless adaptations of Jules Verne's widely loved 1872 novel, Around the World in Eighty Days. With a variety of creators trying to interpret the original material, some versions have triumphed, while others have not quite hit the mark. Thankfully, the most recent interpretation - a 2021 co-production by PBS and BBC - has turned out to be a tremendous success. The series was shot in South Africa, France, and the UK, with additional filming taking place in Romania. The programme first aired on La Une in Belgium in 2021, before making its BBC One debut in the UK on December 26, 2021. Before its premiere, it was announced that the show had been renewed for a second season pre-release. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . However, in October 2024, reports suggested that there were currently no plans to extend the series beyond its first season, reports Surrey Live. David Tennant assumes the character of Phileas Fogg in a grand retelling of Jules Verne's classic, with Ibrahim Koma playing Jean Passepartout and Leonie Benesch portraying Abigail Fix Fortescue. The narrative, while fictional, cleverly incorporates historical personas like Bass Reeves, Adolphe Thiers, and Jane Digby into its plot. The series has received a warm reception, boasting an 81 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, signalling robust admiration for the modern take on the epic journey in 'Around the World in 80 Days'. Article continues below Critics have weighed in with their thoughts, one lauding: "There's a reason that Jules Verne's novel has been made and re-made over the decades - it's a riveting adventure tale, and this version is no exception." Another showered acclaim, stating: "This new adaptation of Around The World In 80 Days more or less tells new stories that may have more parallels into the 21st century than the 19th. But it's also an action-filled, fast-moving delight." Despite the general positivity, some reviews were critical. A disenchanted reviewer noted: "It's ultimately a middling, entirely unnecessary new take on Verne's classic adventure novel, and its main cast seems aware they're starring in what amounts to an afterschool special." Some viewers praised the adaptation, sharing their thoughts with comments such as: "There is something about this time of year that demands a good, solid adaptation of a literary classic. Right on cue, here is Around the World in 80 Days for the entire family to enjoy." Fans also echoed similar feelings, with one expressing: "Nice cast, good work, I read the book and watched all the previous versions (also the anime). I like how it has changed." Many lavished praise on the 2021 rendition, as another enthusiast noted: "It's about time Jules Verne's famous story got the screen adaptation it deserves. Article continues below "Around the World in 80 Days is a fresh take on the timeless classic with a few tweaks to suit a modern audience. The cast is phenomenal. The writing, directing, cinematography, and production design are all brilliant and bring back memories of a time when TV productions weren't the c**p streaming services spit out nowadays." Yet, certain feedback was more reserved, with one viewer commenting: "A solid enough adaptation of the Verne classic, that does play it rather safe at times. It tries to tackle some important social issues along the way, but it does come across at times as rather forced and half baked."
Edinburgh Live
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
The 'must-watch' BBC period drama hailed as 'riveting' and 'action-filled' by fans
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Jules Verne's beloved 1872 novel, Around the World in Eighty Days, has seen countless adaptations over the years. While some renditions have hit the mark, others have missed it. Thankfully, the latest take on the classic - a joint venture by PBS and BBC in 2021 - has been hailed as a triumph. Tagged as a historical period drama, Around the World in 80 Days (2021) was greenlit by the European Alliance, a cooperative effort involving Germany's ZDF, Italy's RAI, and France Télévisions, with Belgium's Be-Films/RTBF and America's Masterpiece also chipping in as co-production partners. The series was shot in South Africa, France, and the UK, with additional filming carried out in Romania. READ MORE - Brooklyn Beckham's real reason for buying £10.5m home in Hollywood amid 'feud' READ MORE - Kate Middleton has the same breakfast every day to keep herself feeling healthy The programme first graced screens on La Une in Belgium in 2021, before making its grand entrance on BBC One in the UK on Boxing Day, 2021. Ahead of its launch, it was revealed that the show had already bagged a second series. However, come October 2024, the Express reported that there were no current plans to extend the series beyond its debut season, reports Surrey Live. David Tennant stars as intrepid explorer Phileas Fogg, with Ibrahim Koma playing his valet Jean Passepartout and Leonie Benesch as the adventurous Abigail Fix Fortescue in the high-stakes drama set after Fogg wagers a bet against a smug Reform Club member and embarks on an 80-day global odyssey. Amidst the fictional escapade, the series also brings historical personas like Bass Reeves, Adolphe Thiers, and Jane Digby to life within its plot. The adaptation of Jules Verne's classic "Around the World in 80 Days" has been well received, securing an 81 per cent rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting a general thumbs-up for this new take. One critic lauded the series, noting: "There's a reason that Jules Verne's novel has been made and re-made over the decades -- it's a riveting adventure tale, and this version is no exception." Another remarked positively: "This new adaptation of Around The World In 80 Days more or less tells new stories that may have more parallels into the 21st century than the 19th. But it's also an action-filled, fast-moving delight." Still, not everyone was impressed, with a dissenting voice stating: "It's ultimately a middling, entirely unnecessary new take on Verne's classic adventure novel, and its main cast seems aware they're starring in what amounts to an afterschool special." Some viewers found the adaptation a triumph, with comments such as: "There is something about this time of year that demands a good, solid adaptation of a literary classic. Right on cue, here is Around the World in 80 Days for the entire family to enjoy." Echoing these kudos, one fan said: "Nice cast, good work, I read the book and watched all the previous versions (also the anime). I like how it was changed." Others lavished praise on the recent 2021 remake, as another enthusiast expressed: "It's about time Jules Verne's famous story got the screen adaptation it deserves. Around the World in 80 Days is a fresh take on the timeless classic with a few tweaks to suit a modern audience. The cast is phenomenal. The writing, directing, cinematography, and production design are all brilliant and bring back memories of a time when TV productions weren't the c**p streaming services spit out nowadays." However, not everyone was entirely convinced, as one viewer noted: "A solid enough adaptation of the Verne classic, that does play it rather safe at times. It tries to tackle some important social issues along the way, but it does come across at times as rather forced and half baked."
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
David Tennant's BBC period drama with 'phenomenal' cast now on iPlayer
The most recent adaptation of Jules Verne's 1872 novel Around the World in 80 Days starring Scottish star David Tennant has been hailed as a 'riveting' and 'action-filled' delight by critics and viewers alike There have been numerous adaptations of the immensely popular 1872 novel Around the World in Eighty Days by French author Jules Verne. With various creators attempting to interpret the source material, some versions have been successful, while others have not. Fortunately, the most recent reinterpretation - a co-production between PBS and BBC in 2021 - has been a resounding success. Billed as a historical period drama, Around the World in 80 Days (2021) was commissioned by the European Alliance, a co-production alliance involving ZDF of Germany, RAI of Italy, and France Télévisions, with Be-Films/RTBF (Belgium) and Masterpiece (US) also participating as co-production partners. The series was produced in South Africa, France, and the UK, with additional filming taking place in Romania. After initially premiering on La Une in Belgium in 2021, Around the World in 80 Days made its debut on BBC One in the UK on December 26, 2021. Prior to its series premiere, it was announced that the show had been renewed for a second season pre-release, however in October 2024, it was reported that there were currently no plans to extend the series beyond its first season. David Tennant takes the lead as Phileas Fogg, with Ibrahim Koma as Jean Passepartout, and Leonie Benesch portraying Abigail Fix Fortescue in this latest series adaptation of Around the World in 80 Days, documenting their globe-trotting wager-driven journey. The show, whilst a work of fiction, features historical figures such as Bass Reeves, Adolphe Thiers, and Jane Digby within its narrative, reports the Express. The show boasts an 81 per cent critics approval on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a warm reception to this retelling of Jules Verne's classic. A reviewer complimented the timeless appeal of the story: "There's a reason that Jules Verne's novel has been made and re-made over the decades -- it's a riveting adventure tale, and this version is no exception." Another critic shared their take on the contemporary resonance of the series: "This new adaptation of Around The World In 80 Days more or less tells new stories that may have more parallels into the 21st century than the 19th. But it's also an action-filled, fast-moving delight." Yet, not all were enthused, with a less favourable view suggesting: "It's ultimately a middling, entirely unnecessary new take on Verne's classic adventure novel, and its main cast seems aware they're starring in what amounts to an afterschool special." Some viewers praised the new adaptation's timely arrival: "There is something about this time of year that demands a good, solid adaptation of a literary classic. Right on cue, here is Around the World in 80 Days for the entire family to enjoy." Happy fans echoed the sentiment, with an enthusiastic viewer sharing: "Nice cast, good work, I read the book and watched all the previous versions (also the anime). I like how it was changed." Another enthusiast commended the recent adaptation: "It's about time Jules Verne's famous story got the screen adaptation it deserves. Around the World in 80 Days is a fresh take on the timeless classic with a few tweaks to suit a modern audience. The cast is phenomenal. The writing, directing, cinematography, and production design are all brilliant and bring back memories of a time when TV productions weren't the c**p streaming services spit out nowadays." Meanwhile, a more measured opinion came from a viewer offering a balanced critique: "A solid enough adaptation of the Verne classic, that does play it rather safe at times. It tries to tackle some important social issues along the way, but it does come across at times as rather forced and half baked."
The Hindu
05-06-2025
- The Hindu
The unknown men who became unforgettable
When illegal immigration began dominating the headlines recently, I remembered two people from my earlier reporting assignments — C. Ibrahim and Moidu Kizhisseri. When he was 22 years old, Ibrahim, who hailed from Vadakara in Kerala's Kozhikode district, boarded a ship to the Gulf, which landed up in Pakistan. He lived there for nine years and managed to secure a Pakistani passport. He returned to India in 1998 and married a woman called Nabeesu. By the time the police found out that he was not a valid resident, the couple had had two daughters. In 2003, Ibrahim was to be deported to Pakistan following a judicial ruling that he was not an Indian citizen. But he was turned back from the Attari-Wagah Border as he did not have the documents to prove that he was a Pakistani national. I met Ibrahim when he arrived at the Kozhikode railway station from the border. He told me that his family was in Kozhikode and his roots were in Malabar. He pleaded that he was not a Pakistani spy. Kerala was home to about 365 foreign nationals, most of them from Pakistan. Several of these long-term Indian residents had been issued deportation orders to Pakistan. Some had secured stays on their deportation, while others fought marathon legal battles to acquire Indian citizenship. Many others died. Ibrahim was remanded in judicial custody. Subsequently, a local court granted him conditional bail, asking him to report daily to the local police station and sign the official register. These restrictions were gradually eased, first to weekly and then monthly appearances. In May 2012, the Judicial First-Class Magistrate Court of Vadakara declared Ibrahim to be an Indian citizen. Ibrahim passed away in 2016 at the age of 68. Moidu Kizhisseri of Kondotty in Malappuram district was more like Phileas Fogg from Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days. He left Kerala as a teenager and travelled around the world for 30 years before returning home. I recall interviewing him in 2005 about his exploits across three continents. Driven by abject poverty, Moidu had boarded a train for the Hazrat Nizamuddin station in Delhi from the Kozhikode railway station during the Emergency in 1975. He was just 17. He crossed the border into Pakistan only to find himself in a military encampment. He was released. Undeterred, Moidu tried again to cross the border in 1977. He was captured and detained in a Pakistan jail. Subsequently, he escaped to Lahore and worked on a farm for a year. From there, he crossed the Balochistan desert into Kabul in 1978. He travelled to Tajikistan and Kazakhstan before returning to Pakistan in 1979. He was back in the hands of the police. Mistaking him for an Iranian, a Pakistani court ordered his deportation to Iran, which was embroiled in civil war. Compelled by the Iranians to fight against the Iraqis, Moidu was captured by the Iraqi army. He was released after providing intelligence about the Iranian forces. Moidu escaped from Iran and went to Turkey, where he enrolled in a local institute to study language and history. His adventurous spirit later led him to Russia, Chechnya, Georgia, Sudan, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Bulgaria — all without a passport and visas. Finally, from Pakistan he crossed the border into Amritsar and arrived in Kozhikode on January 1, 2004. Not only did he live to tell his tale, but he also managed to learn at least seven foreign languages and publish three books about his adventures. To support his renal treatment, Moidu was forced to donate a large collection of the artefacts that he had gathered during his travels, to the Historical and Cultural Museum at the Moinkutty Vaidyaar Mappilakala Academy at Kondotty. He passed away in Kozhikode in November 2020. Journalism is history written against the clock. But some stories break away from time and linger forever in our memories.
France 24
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
Jules Verne: The 'Extraordinary Voyages' of a visionary French writer
France 12:14 Issued on: From the show This week we delve into the life of Jules Verne, one of the world's most widely translated writers. The French author's "Extraordinary Voyages" include "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea", "Around the World in Eighty Days" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth". They continue to inspire fans of adventure stories, 120 years after his death in 1905. Many consider Verne to be one of the founding fathers of science fiction, while others see him as a visionary. Those familiar with the man himself speak of a tireless worker, with an unparalleled gift for making his ideas accessible to all and, with the help of his publisher Pierre-Jules Hetzel, a creator of imaginary worlds that are still part of the cultural landscape today. We discuss Verne's life and legacy with Jean Verne, his great-grandson; Céline Giton, author of "Jules Verne: an Extraordinary Animal Anthology"; Agnès Marcetteau-Paul, author of "The very curious Jules Verne"; and Pierre Stépanoff, director of the Maison Jules Verne in Amiens.
