While original stories continue to make the rounds across both the big and small screens, the fascination with adapting beloved classics never seems to fade. From faithful retellings to bold reimagining, classic literature has always found new life in every era and across streaming platforms and in theaters. Wuthering Heights and Pride and Prejudice are just some of the shining examples from this year. And joining this lineup is a new adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities.
While the show will follow the tension of the same war-torn period and packed with the emotional chaos that made the original story so compelling, the series is set to bring a fresh take on the classic. So, here is everything to know about the cast, plot, and release date of the show.
Cast of A Tale of Two Cities
Kit Harrington as Sydney Carton: The English actor is well known for his role as Jon Snow in the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones. Over the years, he has starred in several films, including Marvel projects. He is set to appear as Lockhart in the HBO Harry Potter series.
François Civil as Charles Darnay: François Civil is a French actor. He has previously starred in Beating Hearts, Frank, As Above, So Below, Five, Burn Out.
The Family Plan World Premiere Cast and Guests attend The Family Plan 2 World
Premiere Featuring: Kit Harrington Where: London, United Kingdom When: 11 Nov
2025 Credit: Phil Lewis WENN London United Kingdom Copyright: xPhilxLewis WENNx
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The Family Plan World Premiere Cast and Guests attend The Family Plan 2 World
Premiere Featuring: Kit Harrington Where: London, United Kingdom When: 11 Nov
2025 Credit: Phil Lewis WENN London United Kingdom Copyright: xPhilxLewis WENNx
wenn40781048 PLAAx wenn40781048
Mirren Mack as Lucie Manette: Mack is well known for her roles in BBC drama The Nest and the Netflix miniseries The Witcher: Blood Origin. She has also starred in several stage productions, including Bat Boy and Wound, Bristol Old Vic’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Plot of A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities is set to follow lookalikes: a former French aristocrat and an alcoholic English lawyer who fall in love with the same woman, sparking a volatile love triangle. It is based on the novel, which is set in London in 1782. Set during a war between Britain and France, the story follows Lucie Manette, whose life is turned upside down when she learns that her father, believed to have died nearly 20 years earlier, may still be alive in Paris.
Credit: Marcell Piti/Amazon MGM Studios
Credit: Marcell Piti/Amazon MGM Studios
To find out the truth about her father, Lucie seeks the help of a young lawyer, Sydney Carton. There have been several adaptations of Charles Dickens’ acclaimed 1859 novel A Tale of Two Cities. The 1980 movie version starring Chris Sarandon is one such. Now, the newest version will feature Mirren Mack and Kit Harrington.
When can fans expect the series to arrive on screen?
Release date of A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities is all set to premiere on September 6, 2026, on MGM+ with new episodes following weekly. The series is created by Daniel West, while Hong Khaou and Richard Clark directed the show. With a new cast, the series promises to bring Dickens’ classic tale of love, sacrifice, and revolution to the screen with a modern dramatic edge.
Will you watch A Tale of Two Cities? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
