Natalie Dormer to produce and develop Vivien Leigh drama

Picnic at Hanging Rock’s Natalie Dormer is teaming with UK prodco Mainstreet Pictures and Fremantlemedia to produce and develop a drama based on the life of British actress Vivien Leigh.

The story will follow the highs and lows of the iconic actress who gave audiences a glimpse of the complex and tortured mind of a creative genius.

Vivien Leigh often struggled with equality in the workplace, the abuse of power and issues with mental health at a time when it was taboo. All timely topics in the post-Weinstein, #MeToo era.

Screenwriter Stewart Harcourt (Churchill’s Secret) will work on the project and have access to a wealth of archive material alongside Kendra Bean’s book Vivien Leigh – An Intimate Portrait. FremantleMedia International will hold the global distribution rights for the series.

Sally Haynes and Laura Mackey of Mainstreet Pictures said: “We are incredibly excited to be collaborating with the brilliant Natalie Dormer to play an iconic star like Vivien Leigh and to bring this extraordinary unknown story to a wider audience.”

Christian Vesper, executive vice president and creative director of global drama, FremantleMedia said: “The story of the legendary movie star will be a compelling exploration of the woman who was transcendently known for some of the most memorable screen performances of all time. We’re looking forward to working with Natalie Dormer and Mainstreet Pictures to develop the series ready for global audiences.”