The eight-part drama from Sally Wainwright promises to be a swashbuckling action and fantasy adventure.
The Ballad of Renegade Nell, directed by Ben Taylor and announced today at the Edinburgh Television Festival, sees Louisa Harland star as Nell, a quick-witted and courageous young woman who finds herself framed for murder and unexpectedly becomes the most notorious highwaywoman in 18th Century England.
Newcomers Bo Bragason and Florence Keen star as her two younger sisters Roxy and George who, along with a plucky but prickly little spirit called Billy Blind, played by Nick Mohammed, help Nell as she realises that fate has put her on the wrong side of the law for a reason much bigger than she could’ve ever imagined.
Adrian Lester plays Nell’s formidable adversary the Earl of Poynton, a master political schemer and manipulator. The Earl joins forces with Sofia Wilmot, played by Alice Kremelberg, a young widow with thwarted ambitions whose quest for independence becomes indelibly entwined with Nell’s own.
Frank Dillane also joins the cast as charming rogue Charles Devereux, whilst Craig Parkinson stars as Sam Trotter, Nell’s kind-hearted, widowed father.
Joely Richardson plays eccentric newspaper magnate Lady Eularia Moggerhanger, whilst Pip Torrens appears as Lord Blancheford – the father of Sofia and her feckless, bullying brother Thomas, who is played by Jake Dunn.
Enyi Okoronkwo also stars as Rasselas, a spirited stable boy who joins Nell and her sisters on the run in his own bid for freedom.
Produced by Lookout Point as a Disney+ UK original series, the series will also be directed by Amanda Brotchie and MJ Delaney. Executive Producers for Lookout Point, who are owned by BBC Studios, are Faith Penhale, Will Johnston and Louise Mutter.
Executive Producer for Disney+ is VP, Scripted Content, EMEA Johanna Devereaux. Jon Jennings is Series Producer and Stella Merz is Producer.
The Ballad of Renegade Nell will air on Disney+