Natalie Dormer Inks First-Look Deal With Fremantle, Preps Vivien Leigh Drama

By Stewart Clarke

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) – “Game of Thrones” star Natalie Dormer will develop a slate of scripted projects under a new first-look deal she has signed with Fremantle, including a TV drama about legendary actress Vivien Leigh.

The Vivien Leigh project, “Vivling,” will be made with and U.K. shingle Mainstreet Pictures. It will follow the highs and lows of the much-loved star of “Gone With the Wind” who conquered Hollywood and will “give audiences a glimpse into the complex mind of the creative genius,” the producers said.

Dormer said she was thrilled to be getting into the drama business with Fremantle: “Their impressive slate reflects a dedication to the highest-quality storytelling and the strength of their reputation internationally.”

The actress recently starred in Fremantle-produced “Picnic at Hanging Rock” for Foxtel in Australia. Her upcoming roles include the lead in “In Darkness,” a psychological thriller she co-wrote. She will also appear in Icon Productions’ adaptation of the Simon Winchester bestseller “The Professor and the Madman,” starring opposite Mel Gibson and Sean Penn.

“Natalie is a true talent both as an actress and producer,” said Christian Vesper, Fremantle’s EVP and creative director for global drama. “Her great ambition and taste for compelling entertaining projects is a perfect mix to add to the Fremantle family.”

The next Dormer-Fremantle projects will be announced soon, the partners said.