Netflix‘s upcoming A Series of Unfortunate Events show has found its Count Olaf! The Hollywood Reporter brings word that How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris has signed on to headline upcoming series. The news arrives alongside word that formerly-attached showrunner Mark Hudis is no longer involved with the show. A replacement is expected to be announced shortly. Barry Soddenfeld, who executive produced the 2002 feature film version of the property, remains attached to direct the new take, currently set for 13 episodes.
A Series of Unfortunate Events will recreate the darkly humorous visual world of Violet, Klaus, and little Sunny Baudelaire, three orphans who are doggedly pursued by their distant cousin/uncle Count Olaf. The books have collectively sold more than 60 million copies and have been translated into 41 languages.
The 2004 film was directed by Brad Silberling, who approached the material from a German expressionist/silent film/Edward Gorey-inspired visual palette. The film also introduced the world to actress Emily Browning (Sucker Punch, Pompeii) as Violet. Despite grossing $209 million worldwide, the film was deemed too expensive to be profitable and plans for a Harry Potter-esque franchise were abandoned.
Neil Patrick Harris was last on the big screen in David Fincher’s Gone Girl. Since then, the star has appeared on television on “American Horror Story” and headlined the Broadway musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He’s currently working with director Alexander Payne on his upcoming high concept sci-fi satire, Downsizing. Headlined by Matt Damon and Reese Witherspoon, Downsizing tells the story of a man and his wife who, deciding that their lives have gotten out of hand, decide to voluntarily have themselves shrunk down. Unfortunately for the man, his wife backs out at the last minute.
