By Will Tentindo
The Welsh actor, best known for his work in the Horatio Hornblower series as well as the Fantastic Four films and San Andreas, will play the leading role in ABC Studio International and Hoodlum Entertainment’s new 10-part series.
Gruffudd will portray the titular Dr. Daniel Harrow, whose “total disregard for authority and his unfailing empathy for the dead help him solve even the most bizarre of cases.”
“I am so excited to be bringing the complex and brilliant Dr. Dan Harrow to life,” Gruffudd said. “Looking forward to coming back to Queensland to work on this ambitious and exciting series!”
“Ioan is a much-admired actor and will bring his tremendous talent and charisma to the central role of Dr. Daniel Harrow,” said Hoodlum Entertainment’s Tracey Robertson. “I couldn’t think of anyone more perfect.”
Harrow was co-created by writer Stephen M. Irwin (Secrets and Lies) and producer Leigh McGrath (Australia Day), who will produce with Hoodlum Entertainment’s Robertson and Nathan Mayfield. Kate Dennis (The Handmaid’s Tale) has been confirmed as one of the directors of the series. Harrow is also supported by Screen Queensland.
This is Ioan Gruffud’s third production in Queensland, having previously been cast in the international films Sanctum and on San Andreas.
“In Ioan Gruffudd, we have found the ideal star to play Dr. Daniel Harrow. Ioan is an incredibly talented and globally acclaimed actor and he brings a complex mix of genius, darkness, humour and charm to the role,” said Keli Lee, managing director of international content and talent for ABC Studios International. “We are excited to have him as the lead in our series as we begin pre-production on Harrow.”
Harrow is the first drama production for the Disney-owned ABC Studios International. The Australian broadcaster is the ABC, and Disney Media Distribution will license international rights.
Ioan Gruffudd will also be seen later this year in the ITV/Sundance TV mini-series, Liar, starring opposite Joanne Froggatt and the film The Professor and the Madman, starring Sean Penn and Mel Gibson. Gruffudd is represented by ICM Partners, Framework Entertainment and Nelson Davis.
