WORK OF ART
Poldark hunk Aidan Turner transforms into Leonardo da Vinci for new drama from the creators of The X Files
AIDAN Turner is back with a glimpse into his portrayal of iconic artist Leonardo Da Vinci.
Fans were given a sneak pic into the new TV series, Leonardo, on Instagram which show Aidan, 36, recreating the painter's legendary works.
Leonardo will reveal the mystery of one of the most fascinating characters in history, a man whose genius and work are known globally and yet whose true character remains an enticing secret.
The teaser video shows Aidan as a young apprentice who would later go on to create the world famous works, Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
In one shot Leonardo is working hard over candlelight as he obsessively tries to get his painting perfect.
The X Files' creator Frank Spotnitz is the brains behind Leonardo which will be directed by Dan Percival (The Man in the High Castle).
The eight-part series also stars Freddie Highmore (The Good Doctor) as an imaginary Milan police officer who suspects Da Vinci of murder.
Each episode in the series will focus on one of Leonardo’s achievements in different areas from science to art and from engineering to poetry.
Sony Pictures who is co-producing and distributing the series said Da Vinci “displayed a deep humanity that was determined to unfold the mystery of the world around us”.
“While [Leonardo] da Vinci made his name in Florence, people everywhere feel he is somehow a part of their story,” Brendan Fitzgerald, SVP of international co-productions for Sony Pictures Television, said in a statement.
Leonardo marks a return to the small screen for Aidan after he finished up on his career defining role in Poldark.
The beloved BBC drama ended late last year after five season, with Aidan admitting it would be tough to leave the iconic character behind.
He said last year: "It was the last time I got up on a horse, the last time I put on the tricorn hat and all these kind of things.
"There were poignant moments that you just mark. I think I’ll really miss playing Ross.
More in TV & Showbiz
"You sort of miss every character in time, but right now it’s just nice to have a sense of completion about it – and nice not to have to get up at 5am every morning!”
It's not the first time Aidan has played a famous artist, he also portrayed Dante Gabriel Rossetti in the TV series Desperate Romantics in 2009.
Poldark's Aidan Turner sends viewers wild with shirtless beach scene
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.
Topics