Oscar Nominee Jeff Pope Teams Up with Xavier Marchand for ‘Castle of the Eagles’ Series

Oscar-nominated Jeff Pope and producer Xavier Marchand unveil “Castle of the Eagles,” a six-part series about an extraordinary WWII prison break by Allied POWs from Castello Vincigliata, a stronghold transformed into a prison. The series showcases the high stakes faced by senior officers holding crucial wartime secrets as they navigate their escape against the backdrop of historical conflict and personal struggles associated with aging.

In a thrilling exploration of bravery and camaraderie, Oscar-nominated screenwriter Jeff Pope collaborates with producer Xavier Marchand to bring to life the riveting limited series “Castle of the Eagles.” This six-episode drama, rooted in a true story, chronicles the audacious prison break of Allied POWs from the formidable Castello Vincigliata during the tumultuous days of WWII. As they prepare to present their project at the MIA Market in Rome from October 14-18, the duo aims to capture the gripping essence of their tale. Penned by Pope and inspired by Mark Felton’s book, the storyline takes off in 1943, when a collection of high-ranking officers—including knights and generals—find themselves trapped within a seemingly indestructible fortress, twisted into a prison by Mussolini’s fascist forces. Among the captives are officers who hold crucial secrets, notably the knowledge of the Enigma code’s cracking. The stakes couldn’t be higher; if they fall into Nazi hands, it could pivot the course of the war and alter the fate of civilization. Pope, who has a strong background in crafting historical narratives, emphasizes that the series transcends mere escape drama, delving deep into the psychological, social, and political currents of the war. He passionately elucidates, “It’s many things in one. It’s a thriller. It’s a psychological drama… There are broader themes we want to explore.” The emotional weight of aging soldiers attempting to reclaim their vigor adds layers of depth to the story as they navigate their daring escape under extraordinary circumstances. With Jason Isaacs cast in a lead role, the project hopes to find Italian partnerships during MIA, ensuring that the filming can unfold amidst the stunning Tuscan landscape. Marchand describes the narrative as one of “male camaraderie,” exploring how older men are compelled to step back into the fray of war, thus prompting reflections on courage and resilience against the backdrop of a brutal past. This series promises not only action and drama but also a poignant exploration of how the burdens of age impact these men’s spirits and ambitions. In contrast to iconic WWII movies like “The Great Escape,” which featured youthful officers, this tale showcases seasoned individuals, drawing fascinating parallels between ages and aspirations in moments of desperation. In the end, “Castle of the Eagles” seeks to weave together history, emotion, and the relentless human spirit, inviting viewers to witness a gripping fight for freedom that resonates beyond the walls of Castello Vincigliata.

“Castle of the Eagles” is inspired by the extraordinary true events surrounding a daring WWII prison break carried out by Allied POWs. The series captures the intense atmosphere of 1943, where high-ranking officials, including knights and generals, are held captive in a fortification converted to a prison under Mussolini’s regime. The characters’ possession of critical wartime intelligence, particularly relating to the Enigma code, underscores the urgent stakes of their escape. The narrative also seeks to highlight broader themes of camaraderie, age, and resilience, contrasting the youthful bravado often seen in other wartime dramas.

The essence of “Castle of the Eagles” is woven from the threads of heroism, the complexities of human relationships, and the indomitable will to survive and reclaim one’s life—one riveting moment at a time. Jeff Pope and Xavier Marchand aim to present a unique narrative that transcends traditional war stories, promising viewers a cinematic experience rich with action, drama, and profound social commentary.

Original Source: variety.com