“Around the World in 80 Days”, the classic adventure novel by Jules Verne, turns into one new TV series full of action and charm. The series begins its broadcast on Wednesday 27 December on Rai 2 but immediately also already available in streaming on RaiPlay. It is an emotional journey that follows the events narrated by Verne, who drags viewers into a global adventure straight from the living room.
The series combines historical and imaginary elements, focusing on the figure of Phileas Fogg and on his audacious bet. Made thanks to an international collaboration, it is the result of a co-production between broadcasters such as BBC, ZDF, France Televisions and the Alliance, which also includes Rai. An approach he has enriched the cast with talents from different nations, among which the Italians Giovanni Scifoni e Simone Coppo, helping to create a closer connection with our country's audiences.
David Tennant, known worldwide for his role in “Doctor Who” and “Good Omens”, plays the protagonist Phileas Fogg. Her presence is one of the key elements, making it a television event not to be missed for fans of the genre.
The cast of the series “Around the World in 80 Days”
The European co-production of “Around the World in 80 Days” represents an excellent example of international collaboration in the television field. A union of talents from different countries that has led to a result that stands out for its cultural variety and artistic quality.
At the center of the scene we find David Tennant, as Phileas Fogg. Known particularly for his role in “Doctor Who“, Tennant is an actor who brings charisma and versatility, elements that emerge in his interpretation of Fogg. Near him, Ibrahim Koma plays the role of Jean Passepartout, Fogg's loyal French valet. Leonie Benesch she plays Abigail Fix, a journalist from the Daily Telegraph, who joins Fogg and Passepartout on their journey.
The cast is further enriched with:
- Jason Watkins, who plays Bernard Fortescue, Fix's father.
- Peter Sullivan as Nyle Bellamy, Fogg's antagonist.
The participation of Italian actors is also important:
- Giovanni Scifoni, who plays Niccolò Moretti.
- Simone Coppo, in the role of Marco, the train engineer.
Plot and development of the series “Around the World in 80 Days”
“Around the World in 80 Days” brings Jules Verne's famous story to the stage with a modern and compelling touch. The plot revolves around to the character of Phileas Fogg, a London gentleman who takes a bold bet: travel around the world in just 80 days. The series begins in 1872 in London, where we meet Fogg at the Reform Club. His life takes an unexpected turn when he reads an article about technological progress in transportation, pushing him to undertake this incredible feat.
The most interesting aspect of the series is the way it combines elements of the original novel with new additions which enrich the narrative. For example, the character of Abigail Fix, the Daily Telegraph journalist, is not present in Verne's book, but adds a new dimension to the story, bringing a strong and independent female perspective.
During their world tour, Fogg, Passepartout and Fix will experience a series of exciting adventures and meet a variety of fascinating characters. Their odyssey will take them across diverse cultures and landscapes, offering viewers a window into a rich and diverse world.
When do the episodes of “Around the World in 80 Days” come out?
The first season of the series consists of eight episodes, divided into four evenings on Rai 2. After the broadcast of the first two episodes on 27 December, the series will continue with subsequent episodes on 29 December, 3 and 5 January.
- 1st and 2nd episodes on 27 December 2023
- 3st and 4nd episodes on 29 December 2023
- 5th and 6th episodes on January 3, 2024
- 7th and 8th episodes on January 5, 2024
Il 27th December marked the beginning of the transmission of “Around the World in 80 Days” on Rai 2, with the first two episodes introducing viewers to the world of Phileas Fogg and his bet.
Plot of the first episode
La first episode opens with the triggering element of the entire adventure: a postcard that pushes Fogg to embark on the challenge of circumnavigating the globe in 80 days. We see Fogg, who after having spent the last 20 years in a quiet life without major events, decides to completely overturn his existence. This episode sets the stage for the entire series, introducing the main characters and their motivations.
The journey begins and the trio, composed of Fogg, his valet Passepartout and the journalist Abigail Fix, arrive at Paris. Here, the city is shaken by revolutionary uprisings, and Passepartout finds himself having to face the past, meeting his brother among the rebels. The trio's involvement in the heart of the uprising adds a touch of drama and action to the narrative.
Plot of the second episode
In second episode, the adventure moves to Italy, where the protagonists find a passage to Toast. During the train ride, Fogg clashes with an overbearing man. Meanwhile, Fix begins to have doubts about the entire enterprise, creating the first internal conflict in the group.
Plot of the third episode
In this episode, the protagonists face the crossing the Yemeni desert. Fogg and Passepartout undertake the journey alone, but soon realize that they are being followed by Fix, accompanied by Jane and the Sheik. In the desert, they emerge unexpected truths which call into question the entire journey, creating tensions and questions.
Plot of the fourth episode
Fogg, Passepartout and Fix meet again stranded in an Indian village, scene of an imminent wedding. Here, the dynamics become complicated: Passepartout feels disappointed by Fogg, while Fix finds herself increasingly isolated. The sense of uncertainty and doubt on the continuation of the journey grows between the three.
Plot of the fifth episode
Arrived at Hong Kong without money, travelers find themselves in a precarious situation. Fogg seeks help from the local governor, while Fix discovers that, thanks to an article by him, Fogg has become a famous figure. Meanwhile, Passepartout indulges in a gesture boldness.
Plot of the sixth episode
The sixth episode sees the protagonists on adesert island. Fogg, Fix and Passepartout are forced to fight for survival, facing not only the practical challenges of isolation, but also the feelings of disappointment and distrust resulting from the apparent failure of their adventure.
Curiosities about the series “Around the World in 80 Days”
Obstacles in production
The realization of “Around the World in 80 Days” encountered significant challenges. Filming which began in South Africa was abruptly interrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After a seven-month break, production resumed, but with one significant change: the relocation of filming to Romania, at an additional cost of £4 million.
The bet in the modern context
An interesting detail concerns Phileas Fogg's bet. In the series, he bets 20 thousand pounds, a figure that today it would correspond to almost £2,5 million. A necessary parameter to understand the magnitude and audacity of the bet undertaken by Fogg.
Italian programming of the series
The series, despite having debuted in Europe in December 2021, it was broadcast in Italy only two years later. Rai postponed the broadcast, moving it between Rai 1 and Rai 2, creating a certain amount of anticipation and even some annoyance among the Italian public.
The novel and its adaptations
Jules Verne's “Around the World in 80 Days” has inspired a wide range of adaptations. Among these, the 1956 film with David Niven and Shirley MacLaine, winner of 5 Oscars, stands out for its notoriety. Other adaptations include a BBC miniseries starring Pierce Brosnan in 1989, a 2004 film starring Jackie Chan and Steve Coogan, an animated film produced in France and Belgium in 2021, and a 80s animated series with protagonists depicted as animals.
