1984 Adaptation Gets Unbelievable Cast Including Tom Hardy And Andrew Garfield

By Sckylar Gibby-Brown | Published

andrew garfield in 1984

Audible is stepping up its audiobook game with the re-release of George Orwell’s classic dystopian drama, 1984. The new, audio-only drama has cast the voices of some of Hollywood’s most elite stars, including Tome Hardy, Andrew Garfield, and Cynthia Erivo. The audio recording will be released on April 4, exactly 40 years after the book opens with Winsten’s first diary entry. 

In the 1984 audio recording, Andrew Garfield, known for his roles in Tick, Tick…Boom and The Amazing Spider-Man, takes on the protagonist Winston, while Cynthia Erivo, celebrated for her performances in Wicked and Harriet, brings his love interest, Julia, to life. Tom Hardy, recognized for his roles in Inception and The Dark Knight Rises, lends his voice to the ominous character of Big Brother, and Andrew Scott, known for All of Us Strangers and Fleabag, portrays the enigmatic and perilous O’Brien.

Tom Hardy

The ensemble cast of 1984 also includes Romesh Ranganathan as Parsons, Natasia Demetriou as Mrs. Parsons, Chukwudi Iwuji as Charrington, Francesca Mills as Syme, Katie Leung as Ling, and Alex Lawther as Ampleforth.

George Orwell’s 1984 has long been seen as one of the most important novels ever written for its warning about the potential dangers of unchecked power, the erosion of individual liberties, and the manipulation of truth in the pursuit of political control. Its enduring relevance and impact on literature and culture make it a timeless and essential work. The new audio recording featuring this starstudded cast aims to rekindle interest in a timeless literary classic and provide audiences with a captivating and thought-provoking audio experience.

Andrew Garfield

Audible’s 1984 adaptation has received official authorization and endorsement from the Orwell estate. Richard Blair, George Orwell’s son, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, describing it as “sensational” with a “brilliant cast.”

The 1984 audio original will feature an original score composed by Matthew Bellamy, the lead vocalist of Muse, and Ilan Eshkeri, the composer behind BBC’s A Perfect World and Ghost of Tsushima. The score, performed by a 60-piece orchestra at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, will help to boost the audiobook to become an immersive experience.

Directed by BAFTA-winner Destiny Ekaragha, known for her work on Ted Lasso and The End of the F***ing World, and written by Joe White, the Audible adaptation remains faithful to Orwell’s original text. The creators aim to delve deeper into the horror of the dystopian setting of 1984 while exploring the profound love story between Winston and Julia in a world where such emotions are strictly forbidden.

“This is my first experience directing an audio drama, and what an honor it was to work so closely with a cast of this caliber. I can’t wait for everyone to hear what Andrew, Cynthia, and Tom have done with these iconic characters,” said Ekaragha in a statement about the new 1984 recording.

Audible’s innovative take on 1984 promises a fresh perspective on Orwell’s timeless masterpiece. The release of this adaptation is not merely a celebration of a literary classic but a reminder of literature’s ability to transcend mediums, spark conversations and offer new perspectives on the timeless themes that define the human experience.

Source: Variety