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Nicholas Blake's 1938 novel The Beast Must Die is being made into a six-part series, set to premiere in the U.K. via BritBox and just acquired by AMC Networks. You can look for the series this spring on AMC and AMC+, according to a company press release. 

We should point out, Blake is the pen name of poet Cecil Day-Lewis, father of actor Daniel Day-Lewis (a bit of fun trivia).

The story follows a grieving mother seeking revenge for the murder of her son, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident.

The series is set to star Cush Jumbo (Vera) and Jared Harris (The Crown) in lead roles. Other familiar faces include Billy Howle (​The Serpent), Nathaniel Parker ​(The Inspector Lynley Mysteries) and Geraldine James (Downton Abbey).

Dan McDermott, president of original programming for AMC Networks, has voiced his excitement for the new project, saying, "This series will be something special for AMC and our AMC+ subscribers. It continues a legacy of very successful relationships with the brilliant Jared Harris and our friends at Scott Free, and forges new producing partnerships with BritBox and New Regency Television."

He also provides a glimpse of what to expect, without revealing too much, saying, "The Beast Must Die honors the novel upon which it is based with a fantastic piece of television that cuts to the heart of grief, hate, revenge and allows us to ask questions about our own humanity in a remarkably engaging and suspenseful way."

Dome Karukoski (​Tolkien​) is set to direct, with Gaby Chiappe (​Shetland) penning the screenplay.

We'll find out more about The Beast Must Die on February 18, when AMC Networks presents at the virtual Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour.

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