The first image of BBC's adaptation of the H.G. Wells’ classic The War of the Worlds has been released, which is currently shooting in Liverpool. The image features the main couple, played by Rafe Spall (The Big Short, The Ritual, Life of Pi) and Eleanor Tomlinson (Jack the Giant Slayer), fleeing disaster on the streets of 1900's England.



The three-part mini-series is said to be focusing on the couple's relationship, going against the conventions of 1900's England society, as they face "the escalating terror of an alien invasion, fighting for their lives against an enemy beyond their comprehension" in Edwardian England. They will be joined by Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting) and Rupert Graves (Sherlock).



There have been many adaptations of The War of the Worlds, including the infamous 1938 radio transmission read by Orson Welles and the 2005 version directed by Steven Spielberg, that the creative team made sure to point out how this version will be different from those. Writer Peter Harness said that:





“The version of The War of the Worlds that I wanted to make is one that’s faithful to the tone and the spirit of the book, but which also feels contemporary, surprising and full of shocks: a collision of sci-fi, period drama and horror.

There is nothing cosy or predictable about Wells’ novel, and that’s what I want to capture in the show. We have an incredible cast, a brilliant director and a wonderful crew - and I can’t wait for them to explode the terrifying story of the first alien invasion on to our screens.”





Director Craig Viveiros (Rillington Place) also spoke about this version, stating:





“H.G. Wells' seminal novel has been adapted for the screen many times but it's always had a contemporary (and American) setting, this is the first version to be set in London and the Home Counties during the Edwardian period.”





There is no official release date at this time, but it is expected to air sometime near Christmas.