Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Netflix to adapt Anna Karenina as first ever Russian original series

Leo Tolstoy adaptation is being produced under the working title ‘Anna K’

Louis Chilton
Wednesday 26 May 2021 09:51 BST
Comments
Netflix 2021 Film Preview: Official Trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Netflix is developing new modern-day adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina under the working title “Anna K”.

The programme will be the streaming service’s first-ever original Russian drama series.

Svetlana Khodchenkova (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) is attached in the lead role, playing Anna Kerenina, the socialite wife of a St Petersburg politician who undertakes a romantic affair with an aluminium magnate.

The series will take place in 21st-century Moscow, as well as historic St Petersburg and the Russian countryside.

Michael Azzolino, Netflix’s director of original series, said: “We are incredibly proud to announce our first Russian series with 1-2-3 Production. 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 the world.”

Roman Kantor (To the Lake) has signed on to write the series. He said: “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.

“Quite literally so, as the idea for this TV series came to me in a dream and I have been chasing it ever since.”

No premiere date has yet been announced.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in