Amazon Prime Video takes ‘Leonardo’ UK & Ireland rights

Leonardo

Amazon Prime Video has taken exclusive UK and Ireland rights to Leonardo, a new drama based on the life of Leonardo da Vinci.

The eight-part series was created by Frank Spotnitz (The X-Files, The Man In The High Castle) and Steve Thompson (Sherlock, Doctor Who), with Dan Percival (Death Comes to Pemberley) and Alexis Sweet (Don Matteo) attached to direct. Luca Bernabei will produce.

The show is produced by Lux Vide with Rai Fiction and Big Light Productions, in association with France Télévisions and RTVE, and co-produced and distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures Television. It will land on the streamer on 16 April.

Spotnitz, Thompson and Percival will also executive produce, alongside Luca Bernabei, Matilde Bernabei, Emily Feller and Freddie Highmore for Alfresco Picutures, Brendan Fitzgerald for Sony Pictures Television, as well as Sara Melodia, Luisa Cotta Ramosino and Daniele Passani.

Aidan Turner (Poldark) will star as the artist and inventor in the series exploring the secrets and drama behind the genius: his life, his work and his personal struggles all set against the backdrop of Renaissance Italy.

Freddie Highmore (The Good Doctor), Giancarlo Giannini (Family Novel) and Matilda De Angelis (The Undoing) also star.

“As we know, Leonardo Da Vinci was a man who created an incredible body of work across so many disciplines,” commented Turner. “As an actor, to explore the inner workings of this great artist was a very exciting and humbling experience and I feel so fortunate to have worked with such a great team in Rome to make this series happen”

“Leonardo is a beautiful drama that tells a riveting backstory of one of the most fascinating artistic figures in history” added Martin Backlund, head of content for UK Prime Video. “I know our customers will be absorbed from the first episode and we can’t wait to see Aidan Turner back on our screens exclusively to Prime members in the UK and Ireland.”

Leonardo joins a stable of period dramas exclusive to Prime Video, including Outlander, Vikings, Black Sails and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.