More broadcasters anoint The Young Pope

A raft of broadcasters including HBO in central and eastern Europe and Fox in the Netherlands have acquired upcoming big-budget drama series The Young Pope.

The show was commissioned by Canal+, HBO and Sky Atlantic and is sold internationally by FremantleMedia, which has struck the latest deals.

The RTL-backed distributor acquired control of Wildside, which produced the series, late last year.

The Young Pope stars Jude Law as the first American Pope, Pius XIII, as he attempts to understand the mysterious world of the Vatican. Diane Keaton plays Sister Mary and Paolo Sorrentino directs the series.

France’s Haut et Court produces alongside Italy-based Wildside.

As well as HBO in CEE and the Fox cable net in the Netherlands, FremantleMedia has shopped the drama series to BETV in Belgium, OTE in Greece, Sky in New Zealand, Hot in Israel and TV4 in Sweden. C More has already snagged the Scandi pay TV rights.

FremantleMedia is giving the series its international launch at the Venice International Film Festival today.

Jens Richter, CEO, FremantleMedia International said: “The Young Pope has been the topic of much excitement with TV executives and global audiences alike all wanting to get a glimpse at this extraordinary series.

“We’re incredibly proud to be working with the team at Wildside to take Paolo Sorrentino’s captivating TV debut to audiences worldwide.”