Ella Purnell and Nicholas Galitzine give their best aristocratic snarls in the first look from the “seductive” thriller “The Return of Stanley Atwell.”
Now in production in the U.K. and Malta, the film has also welcomed Damian Lewis to the cast, the “Band of Brothers” and “Homeland” star seen tux’d up and brooding from across a smoky bar in another new image.
“The Return of Stanley Atwell” comes from Hera Pictures, the BAFTA and Oscar-nominated banner behind recent awards season favorite “Hamnet,” and is co-produced with John Gore Studios.
Alongside Lewis, also joining the film are Jess Alexander, (“The Beauty,” “Amadeus”) Adrian Rawlins, (“Rose of Nevada,” “Slow Horses”) Will Keen (“His Dark Materials,” “The Crown”).
Written and directed by Brian Welsh (“Beats,” “Black Mirror”), “The Return of Stanley Atwell” is based on an original story by Oscar winner Steven Soderbergh, who also serves as executive producer. The film marks Welsh’s second collaboration with Soderbergh following their debut “Beats,” and his second collaboration with Liza Marshall and Hera Pictures after the BAFTA nominated BBC drama “What It Feels Like for a Girl.”
As per the synopsis, the story follows Stanley Atwell (Galitzine), the presumed dead son and heir to Lord Atwell’s title and fortune, after he unexpectedly returns to the family estate having escaped a decade of mysterious captivity. Atwell’s shocking reappearance causes chaos as he finds his sister Beatrice fighting to claim his inheritance, whilst close friend Pamela (Purnell) manipulates his puzzling return, and a dark family secret, in a bid to seize control of the Atwell fortune. Sex, passion, backstabbing and betrayal wreak havoc across the estate as the lies and deception the Atwell name has been built upon start to unravel. How far is each family member willing to go to protect their own wealth and status… and what is really behind the return of Stanley Atwell?
Damien Lewis in ‘The Return of Stanley Atwell’
“It’s been such a joy to have Damian Lewis on The Return of Stanley Atwell as Barnaby Towan,” said Welsh. “He brings humour, depth and some big surprises to the role. Damian’s a real dream addition to this ensemble and we’re honoured he wanted to come play.”
Added Marshall, producer and founder of Hera Pictures: “Damian has an exceptional ability to balance sharp intelligence with emotional complexity – the perfect combination for the role of Barnaby, a character that is intriguingly complex, charming and sharp-edged. We’re also thrilled to welcome the brilliant Jess, Adrian and Will to the cast — each bringing such depth and nuance to their characters and making the world of the Atwells vivid, compelling and seductive.”
The film is produced by Marshall for Hera and John Gore for John Gore Studios (“My Duchess,” “The Queen of Fashion.”). Soderbergh serves as executive producer with Hilary Strong and Francis Hopkinson executive producing for John Gore Studios, alongside Dave Bishop and George Hamilton for Protagonist Pictures.
“Damian Lewis is an actor of immense range and gravitas; we feel incredibly privileged to have him,” said John Gore, producer and founder of John Gore Studios. “He brings a striking level of sophistication, tension, and emotional complexity to the character. With Adrian Rawlins, Jess Alexander, and Will Keen rounding out this exceptional cast, the film is set to offer audiences a seductive, cinematic experience rich in atmosphere and psychological depth.”
Protagonist Pictures is handling international sales and WME Independent are co-repping US rights.
Lewis is repped by Markham Froggatt & Irwin.
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