Netflix is slated to develop its first-ever Russian original series titled Anna K., based on Leo Tolstoy’s well-known novel Anna Karenina, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Svetlana Khodchenkova (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) will play the lead.
Tolstoy’s story follows an extramarital affair between main character Anna and cavalry officer Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky that makes its way through social circles of Saint Petersburg, prompting the duo to flee to Italy in search of happiness. Everything changes when they return to Russia. The novel has been considered one of the greatest of all time by authors since its release in 1878.
Netflix will release a modern-day adaptation of the tale, following Anna as a socialite and wife of the soon-to-be governor of St. Petersburg. When she begins an affair with Vronsky, both their familial bonds and social ties are threatened. Roman Kantor (To The Lake) will write Anna K. while 10203 Production will produce with Valeriy Fedorovich (Epidemiya), Evgeniy Nikishov (Epidemiya), Natasha Merkylova (Intimate Parts), and Aleksey Chupov (Intimate Parts).
“To bring Anna Karenina into 21st-Century Russia and to simultaneously introduce her to the whole world in her own language (and many others ) through the miracle of Netflix is a dream come true for me,” Kantor said in a statement. “Quite literally so, as the idea for this TV series came to me in a dream and I have been chasing it ever since,” via The Hollywood Reporter.
“We are incredibly proud to announce our first Russian series with 1-2-3 Production,” added Netflix’s director of original series Michael Azzolina. “The talented team of writers, directors, and producers have crafted an imaginative and immersive series. We are excited to help bring their vision for this much-admired story to our members in Russia and around the world,” via The Hollywood Reporter.
Anna K. will be available to stream on Netflix worldwide. Though, a premiere date has not yet been released.