Netflix to adapt Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina as first Russian original drama

Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina is getting a contemporary reimagination at Netflix. The streamer will adapt the iconic novel as its debut Russian original drama series.

Produced by Moscow-based 1-2-3 Production, the series is titled ANNA K, and is all set to star Svetlana Khodchenkova (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Wolverine) in the titular role

The novel's story follows Anna Karenina, the wife of the soon-to-become governor of St. Petersburg, who has a love affair with Vronsky, the dashing heir of an aluminum empire. The affair begins to threaten the delicate balance of familial bonds and social relationships. Set between cosmopolitan Moscow, historic St. Petersburg, and Russia’s rugged countryside, the drama explores themes of passion and loyalty.

According to Deadline, ANNA K will have a script written by Roman Kantor and Maria Mikulina, and directed by Valeriy Fedorovich, Evgeniy Nikishov, Natasha Merkulova, Aleksey Chupov, and Kantor. Fedorovich, Nikishov, Sergey Kornikhin, and Kantor will also produce.