Channel 4 acquires mini-series ‘Houdini’

Channel 4 has acquired the UK premiere rights of four-hour mini-series Houdini, starring Adrien Brody (The Pianist).

Houdini follows the epic tales of Harry Houdini as he emerges as America’s first bona fide world-renowned superstar. From humble beginnings at circus sideshows to sold-out concert halls, Eastern European immigrant Erich Weiss rose to become a household name, Houdini, across the globe.

Brody (The Pianist) stars as The Great Harry Houdini as he finds fame, engages in espionage, battles spiritualists and encounters the greatest names of the era, from U.S. presidents to Arthur Conan Doyle and Rasputin.

A thrilling ride through Harry’s psyche, Houdini delves deep behind the curtain into his life through his stunts, his visions and his mastery of illusion. Joining Brody is Kristen Connolly (House of Cards, The Cabin the Woods) as Bess Houdini, the love of Harry’s life and right hand woman? When it came to some of his most amazing feats, and Evan Jones (The Book of Eli, Gangster Squad) as Jim Collins, Harry’s assistant and confidant.

The series is produced by Lionsgate Television and A&E Television Networks, and is written by Nicholas Meyer (Somersby) and directed by Uli Edel.

Houdini will air on Channel 4 this September in the UK and on the History channel in the US.