Brody to Star as Houdini

Adrien Brody will star in The History Channel’s new miniseries showcasing the life of the world’s greatest magician, I mean, illusionist, Harry Houdini.

Brody was the recipient of the Academy Award for Best Actor for his 2002 emotionally moving portrayal in The Pianist. Since then he has starred in an array of different types of films ranging from slapstick comedy, sci-fi, bio-pics, bloody gangster and romantic leads. His high-profile sci-fi/fantasy efforts were Predators, Splice, The Village and King Kong. This will mark one of his rare appearances on the small screen.

Joining Brody as Houdini’s wife is The Cabin in the Woods star Kristen Connolly, better known for her stunning performance in the made for Netflix/Kevin Spacey hit series House of Cards.

“Since my childhood, when I dreamed of being a great magician, Harry Houdini has been one of my heroes,” Brody told a press conference. “His bravery and obsessive determination still fascinates me. Houdini mastered the art of escape, not only from physical chains, but from poverty and the social constraints of a humble immigrant origin. His life story appeals to the universal longing for acceptance with which we can all identify. To portray him is beyond an honor.”

The Great Houdini was able to escape everything but his own fate in 1926. He died relatively young at the age of 52 from a ruptured appendix.

Shooting on the 4-hour miniseries begins this October with The History Channel to make a debut date announcement at some future date.