‘Cinderella’ Star Lily James is Lead in ‘War and Peace’ Miniseries

A&E Network partners with Lifetime and History channels to bring the classic story of “War and Peace” to the small screen. The miniseries is produced by BBC and The Weinstein Co.

“War and Peace” is based on the classic novel written by Leo Tolstoy and it will be adapted for the small screen as a limited series. It will star Lily James (Downton Abbey), Paul Dano (12 Years a Slave), James Norton (Rush), Gillian Anderson (The X-Files) and Jim Broadbent (Moulin Rouge).

Tolstoy’s novel was first released in 1869 and rose to become one of the most influential literary piece in the history of the world. The story of “War and Peace” explores Russia’s turmoil during the French invasion and at the center of it are five aristocratic families.

Set to air later this year in the U.K. first and then in early 2016 in the U.S.A., “War and Peace” will deliver six episodes. Much of the story will focus on romance and the conflict with the families. The lengthy social commentary from the novel will be edited down to fit the TV audience.

This is not the first time “War and Peace” has been adapted to television. Back in the ’70s, BBC also did an adaptation with Sir Anthony Hopkins as one of the stars. The story by Tolstoy has been remade, re-imagined and adapted many times.