Hulu presents the series premiere of Shardlake, a four-part historical drama based on the first novel in C.J. Sansom’s Tudor murder mystery series. The show is set in 16th-century England during the dissolution of the monasteries and follows the lawyer Matthew Shardlake, played by Arthur Hughes, as he investigates a murder at a remote monastery in Scarnsea.
In the series premiere, Shardlake’s life takes an unexpected turn when he is instructed by Thomas Cromwell, played by Sean Bean, to investigate the death of one of his commissioners. Cromwell, Chief Minister to Henry VIII, is gathering evidence to close the monastery, and his own political survival depends on Shardlake’s success. Cromwell insists that Shardlake is accompanied by Jack Barak, played by Anthony Boyle, to Scarnsea, where they encounter hostility and suspicion from the monks.
The journey to bring Sansom’s novels to the screen began over a decade ago. In 2003, author C.J. Sansom granted the rights to his first Matthew Shardlake novel, “Dissolution,” to producer Stevie Lee. The initial plan was to develop a film adaptation, with renowned actor and producer Kenneth Branagh attached to the project. However, Branagh ultimately chose to focus on the series “Wallander” instead, and the “Shardlake” film adaptation was put on hold.
In 2007, the BBC optioned the novels, once again with Branagh set to star as the eponymous protagonist. However, the BBC prioritized their production of “Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall”” and the “Shardlake” adaptation was once again shelved. Subsequent discussions with ITV also failed to materialize.
In January 2023, it was announced that Disney+ had greenlit an adaptation of the Shardlake novels, this time as a television series. The show is produced by The Forge, part of the Banijay Group, and consists of four episodes. The series is directed by Justin Chadwick and written by Stephen Butchard, adapting the first novel “Dissolution.”
The series boasts an impressive cast, with Arthur Hughes taking on the titular role of Matthew Shardlake. Sean Bean stars as Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII’s chief minister and the man who sends Shardlake on his fateful mission. Anthony Boyle joins them as Jack Barak, Shardlake’s assistant, adding further depth to the dynamic trio.
The talented ensemble cast also includes Babou Ceesay as Abbot Fabian, Paul Kaye as Brother Jerome, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis as Alice, Peter Firth as Norfolk, Matthew Steer as Goodhap, Brian Vernel as Brother Mortimus, and Irfan Shamji as Brother Guy, among others.
To bring the Tudor era to life, the production team scouted stunning locations in Hungary, Romania, and Austria. The monastery, a pivotal setting in the series, was brought to life through a combination of Hunedoara Castle in Transylvania and Kreuzenstein Castle, just outside Vienna.
The series also explores the religious divide of the time, between the old Catholic ways and the radical powers of reformation, embodied by King Henry VIII and his enforcer, Cromwell.
Shardlake Premieres on Hulu on May 1, 2024.
