Bill Nighy, Gemma Arterton Join Portrait of a Lady Adaptation
Originally published Jul 20, 2026
By K.J. Yossman · Variety
AI-generated summary based on Variety · Aggregated by Filmarian · Human-reviewed and approved on Jul 20, 2026
Key points
- The adaptation will air on PBS Masterpiece and the BBC.
- Nell Tiger Free leads as Isabel Archer, the novel’s protagonist.
- Bill Nighy and Gemma Arterton join the series in supporting roles.
- The limited series consists of six episodes.
The classic Henry James novel "The Portrait of a Lady" is being adapted into a six‑episode limited series for Masterpiece on PBS and the BBC. The production will feature Bill Nighy, Gemma Arterton and Nell Tiger Free in leading roles.
Nell Tiger Free will portray Isabel Archer, the young American who travels to Europe seeking independence and self‑discovery. The series aims to bring James's 19th‑century narrative to a contemporary television audience with a strong ensemble cast.
Read the original story: Variety — by K.J. Yossman