According to The Hollywood Reporter, comedic actor Patrick Warburton (“Seinfeld,” “The Tick,” NBC’s upcoming “Crowded”) has signed on to portray the fictional version of author/narrator Lemony Snicket (real name Daniel Handler) in Netflix‘s upcoming A Series of Unfortunate Events show. Snicket was previously portrayed by Jude Law in the 2004 movie. Warburton will join headliner Neil Patrick Harris, who is set to star as Count Olaf, along with Malina Weissman and Louis Hynes as Baudelaire orphans Violet and Klaus.
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 Jim Carrey-led 2004 film version 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. Barry Sonnenfeld, who executive produced the 2002 feature film version of the property, is attached to direct the new Netflix take, currently set for 13 episodes.
A Series of Unfortunate Events is expected to begin production this March.
