Disney's plan to make a prequel series for 20,000 Leagues Under The Seahas dived to the next level. Star Trek: Discovery and The Pursuit Of Love's Shazad Latif will play Captain Nemo.
James Dormer, who has worked on shows including Strike Back and Beowulf: Return To The Shieldlands, is on board as head writer for a show that will chart how Captain Nemo first started his adventurous life with advanced (for the 19th century, at least) submarine The Nautilus. An Indian prince robbed of his birth right and family, a prisoner of the East India Company and a man bent on revenge against the forces which have taken everything from him, Nemo steals and sets sail with his ragtag crew on board the awe-inspiring vessel, battling foes and discovering magical underwater worlds. The 10-part first season will kick off shooting next month in Australia.
And behind the camera as primary director? Michael Matthews, who most recently made Love And Monsters. There's no word yet on when this might sail on to Disney+, but we'd guess late next year or early in 2023.