Marguerite Yourcenar’s Seminal Novel On Roman Emperor Hadrian Set For TV Adaptation From Andrea Iervolino & Monika Bacardi

Memoirs of Hadrian, a seminal novel about the life and death of a Roman emperor, is becoming a TV series. 

The 1951 novel, which explores the life of Hadrian from his childhood through his ascent to leading the Roman Empire. It will be written and scripted for TV by Strega Prize winner Francesco Piccolo, who has penned screenplays for Nanni Moretti, Matteo Rovere and Marco Bellocchio among others. 

Attached to produce is Iervolino and Lady Bacardi Entertainment (ILBE), Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi’s film and TV production company that is currently producing Prime Video’s upcoming Cruel Intentions with Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios. No broadcaster or streamer has announced.

Synopsis reads: “From childhood, the life of a profound and sensitive man, aware of his imperial role and the burden he carries, is told. A wise and far-sighted diplomat and a human being marked by splendors and fears, Hadrian defended his immense love for the arts to cover the shame caused by the emptiness of his youth. And then his passions: a natural and complete bisexuality that was also controversial and self-centered. The sorrows and tragedies, feelings of deep friendship and respect for humanity. All these themes will be explored in the series, offering an intimate look at the emperor’s complex psychology and his lasting impact on European history and culture.”

Since publishing more than 70 years ago, French author Yourcenar’s book has sold 25 million copies worldwide.

“We are thrilled to announce this new production that brings to life the extraordinary world of Marguerite Yourcenar through the pen of Francesco Piccolo,” said Andrea Iervolino, CEO of ILBE Group. “We are ready to bring the compelling and complex story of Emperor Hadrian to the screen, exploring his free spirit and personal challenges in a series that promises to bring viewers to life the story of one of the most influential figures in ancient Roman history.

“Hadrian’s life is told at a time of great historical change, of traumatic revolutions in values that occurred between the end of paganism and the beginning of Christianity, a time of transition similar to today’s world landscape, which is constantly shaken by profound transformations.”