David Tennant's Around the World in 80 Days hailed as 'action-filled, fast-moving delight'

Wales Online

5 days ago

David Tennant's Around the World in 80 Days hailed as 'action-filled, fast-moving delight'
The latest adaptation of Jules Verne's 1872 novel has been a huge hit with fans of historical period dramas and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now
David Tennant in Around the World in 80 Days
(Image: BBC / Slim 80 Days )
There have been countless adaptations of Jules Verne's widely loved 1872 novel, Around the World in Eighty Days. With a variety of creators trying to interpret the original material, some versions have triumphed, while others have not quite hit the mark.
Thankfully, the most recent interpretation - a 2021 co-production by PBS and BBC - has turned out to be a tremendous success. The series was shot in South Africa, France, and the UK, with additional filming taking place in Romania.
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The programme first aired on La Une in Belgium in 2021, before making its BBC One debut in the UK on December 26, 2021. Before its premiere, it was announced that the show had been renewed for a second season pre-release. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
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However, in October 2024, reports suggested that there were currently no plans to extend the series beyond its first season, reports Surrey Live.
David Tennant assumes the character of Phileas Fogg in a grand retelling of Jules Verne's classic, with Ibrahim Koma playing Jean Passepartout and Leonie Benesch portraying Abigail Fix Fortescue. The narrative, while fictional, cleverly incorporates historical personas like Bass Reeves, Adolphe Thiers, and Jane Digby into its plot.
The series has received a warm reception, boasting an 81 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, signalling robust admiration for the modern take on the epic journey in 'Around the World in 80 Days'.
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Critics have weighed in with their thoughts, one lauding: "There's a reason that Jules Verne's novel has been made and re-made over the decades - it's a riveting adventure tale, and this version is no exception."
Another showered acclaim, stating: "This new adaptation of Around The World In 80 Days more or less tells new stories that may have more parallels into the 21st century than the 19th. But it's also an action-filled, fast-moving delight."
Despite the general positivity, some reviews were critical. A disenchanted reviewer noted: "It's ultimately a middling, entirely unnecessary new take on Verne's classic adventure novel, and its main cast seems aware they're starring in what amounts to an afterschool special."
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Some viewers praised the adaptation, sharing their thoughts with comments such as: "There is something about this time of year that demands a good, solid adaptation of a literary classic. Right on cue, here is Around the World in 80 Days for the entire family to enjoy."
Fans also echoed similar feelings, with one expressing: "Nice cast, good work, I read the book and watched all the previous versions (also the anime). I like how it has changed."
Many lavished praise on the 2021 rendition, as another enthusiast noted: "It's about time Jules Verne's famous story got the screen adaptation it deserves.
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"Around the World in 80 Days is a fresh take on the timeless classic with a few tweaks to suit a modern audience. The cast is phenomenal. The writing, directing, cinematography, and production design are all brilliant and bring back memories of a time when TV productions weren't the c**p streaming services spit out nowadays."
Yet, certain feedback was more reserved, with one viewer commenting: "A solid enough adaptation of the Verne classic, that does play it rather safe at times. It tries to tackle some important social issues along the way, but it does come across at times as rather forced and half baked."