Variety reported this week that HBO has acquired the BBC miniseries Gunpowder, which tells the true story behind the infamous “Gunpowder Plot” launched by radical Catholics in England to kill the King during the 17th century. Kit Harington of Game of Thrones fame is both lead actor and co-executive producer on the series. Gunpowder also stars Peter Mullan, Liv Tyler, and Mark Gatiss.
Gunpowder is currently airing abroad on BBC One and is unavailable on any American channels. It has been picking up critical buzz over in England, prompting HBO to grab the series to air later on this year in America.
Harington has said Gunpowder is a project close to his heart, calling the show his “baby”. “I loved being involved as a producer in this from genesis, from coming up with the idea to finding a brilliant writer that wanted to do it with us, to finding a brilliant director who wanted to direct it with us, to casting it,” he said.
Now, the British actor (who is actually related to the character he plays on Gunpowder, Robert Catesby) says he is excited to be able to bring his project to the United States. “Three years ago, Daniel West and I conceived and began developing ‘Gunpowder’ with Kudos and Ronan Bennett,” Harington said. “We are now thrilled to share this unique story with the U.S. audience. I can’t think of a better place to do that than my home at HBO.
The three-part miniseries will air some time in December on HBO.