It looks like we have a new period drama coming our way on Netflix. While it’s been dubbed the ‘new Bridgerton’, 1899 looks somewhat darker than the sherbet-coated Regency series going by the first-look image just released by the streaming giant.
1899, we’re told, is multilingual, with the makers of Netflix’s German science-fiction thriller Dark behind it with some familiar faces joining the cast.
Here’s everything we know so far about 1899…
What is 1899 about?
According to the official Netflix synopsis, unsurprisingly, 1899 is set in the 1800s when “a migrant steamship heads west to leave the old continent. The passengers, a mixed bag of European origins, [are] united by their hopes and dreams for the new century and their future abroad. But their journey takes an unexpected turn when they discover another migrant ship adrift on open sea. What they will find on board will turn their passage to the promised land into a horrifying nightmare.”
Anyone else get Pirates-of-the-Caribbean-meets-Lost vibes?
What’s the confirmed cast for 1899?
The drama, created by Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar, is set to feature a diverse and multilingual ensemble cast, all of whom will speak in their own respective mother tongues on screen.
So far we know Emily Beecham (The Pursuit of Love), Aneurin Barnard (Dunkirk), Anton Lesser, (Game of Thrones), Andreas Pietschmann (Dark), Miguel Bernardeau (Elite) and Maciej Musial (The Witcher) are confirmed. Other cast members include Lucas Lynggaard Tonnesen, Rosalie Craig, Clara Rosager, Maria Erwolter, Yann Gael, Mathilde Ollivier, José Pimentao, Isabella Wei, Gabby Wong, Jonas Bloquet, Fflyn Edwards and Alexandre Willaume.
When is 1899 released and is there a trailer?
Alongside the first-look image of the cast, Netflix released a eerie minute-long clip of a ship in the middle of the gloomy ocean. Cue confused voices overheard saying “Hello. What happened to you?” as another is heard commenting: “This can’t be real.”
While we don’t have a confirmed UK release date for 1899, we know the series began production on a virtual production stage in Germany in May 2021.