Another day, another exciting development for a best-selling book to TV series adaptation.
Popular novel The Tattooist of Auschwitz is coming to small screens, and there's not long to wait – with the show set to launch on Sky Atlantic in May 2024.
Plus, there's exciting casting news. Melanie Lynskey – star of The Last Of Us, Yellowjackets, Two And A Half Men and, perhaps most importantly, Coyote Ugly – has been cast in the six-episode series, which will bring the popular novel to the screen.
Lynskey will play author Heather Morris, who wrote the best-selling story in real life. The Tattooist of Auschwitz follows the story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jewish prisoner of war who is imprisoned at Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp during World War Two and whose job is to tattoo identification numbers onto the arms of fellow prisoners.
The TV show's synopsis reads: “One day, he meets Gita when tattooing her prisoner number on her arm. They experience love at first sight, and so begins a courageous, unforgettable, and human story, told through one man’s memory and experience of Auschwitz-Birkenau; a tale of the very best of humanity in the very worst of circumstances.”
It looks like the Tattooist of Auschwitz will switch between the present day – where Lale Sokolov is telling author Heather Morris (Lynskey) his story – and to the events that took place at Auschwitz during the war.
In a statement, Lynskey has opened up about the “privilege” that comes with her new role. “After the horrors experienced at Auschwitz-Birkenau, the continuation of Lale and Gita Sokolov’s story is finding their new home," she said.
It's 2024's Normal People, but bigger.
"It is a privilege to be a part of the furthering of Lale’s and Gita’s heart-breaking, yet heart-warming story.”
GLAMOUR has pulled together everything we know so far about the Tattooist of Auschwitz TV series – here's what you need to know:
Who else has been cast in the series?
Joining Lynskey in the Tattooist of Auschwitz's cast is The Little Mermaid actor Jonah Hauer-King – who will play a young Lale Sokolov – and Polish actor Anna Próchniak will play Gita.
German actor Jonas Nay is set to portray Stefan Baretzki, a Nazi officer at Auschwitz who is responsible for guarding Lale.
What have the team behind the Tattooist of Auschwitz said so far?
The TV show's director, Tali Shalom-Ezer, has spoken about the pride and inspiration she feels about the story she gets to tell.
“In Auschwitz, a factory of death and dehumanisation, Lale and Gita’s love story is an act of defiance,” she has said in a statement. “It is the choice to remain human. I’m inspired and honoured to bring this story to life, alongside the talented team of people assembled."
Meanwhile, Hauer-King has opened about his thoughts on the complex character he's set to play. "I have the utmost respect and admiration for his ability to find humanity and kindness in the most inhumane of places," he said. "These scripts heartbreakingly and vividly depict this appalling time in our history, and I feel proud to be honouring Lale and Gita’s remarkable journey.”
Próchniak has also talked of the “honour” of playing Gita: “Reimagining Gita Sokolov and her story for screen has been one of the greatest honours of [my] career so far, as well as a heartrending experience," she said. "I know this won’t be an easy story to tell, but I will treat their story with the utmost respect.”
Where will we be able to watch the Tattooist of Auschwitz?
It's set to air on Sky Atlantic in the UK, and Peacock in the US.
Is there a trailer for the Tattooist of Auschwitz?
The trailer has officially landed – watch it here:
When will the Tattooist of Auschwitz be released?
The show will debut in the UK on Sky Atlantic on 2 May 2024.
