Idris Elba to star in and direct retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

When I think of Quasimodo, the hunchback at the center of Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," Idris Elba isn't the first person to spring to mind, but THR reports that the handsome son of a gun will be starring in a modern-day retelling of the tale for Netflix.

In addition to starring in THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME as Quasimodo, Idris Elba will also be directing, producing, and developing original music for the feature, which is being described as a "sonic and musical experience." Sounds…interesting. Michael Mitnick (THE CURRENT WAR) will be penning the script for the Netflix project which, much like every other adaptation of the novel, will tell the story of a hunchback named Quasimodo who falls in love with a gypsy named Esmeralda. Idris Elba made his directorial debut with YARDIE, which is expected to hit theaters later this year, so it's clear that he's gotten a taste for displaying his talents behind the camera as well. The move to Netflix marks a bit of a reunion as the actor starred in the streaming service's first original movie, BEASTS OF NO NATION, back in 2015.

"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" has been adapted many times before over the years, including in the 1923 silent film starring Lon Chaney, the 1935 adaptation starring Charles Laughton, and of course, Disney gave the story the animated treatment in 1996 with Tom Hulce lending his voice to the title character. Idris Elba can currently be seen in AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR in which he reprises his role of Heimdall.