Year In Bean 2015 - Wrapup & Summary of Sean Bean's Great Year!

Brief overview of the major productions that were enjoyed in 2015, one of Sean's busiest screen years ever! The following are listed in order of viewing, with a brief description. If you missed seeing any of these, I highly recommend watching them! And THE FRANKENSTEIN CHRONICLES is still coming to TV in much of the world, hang on, it's well worth your patience! UPDATE: at TCA16 A&E announced it as spring/summer 2016. Well, at least that narrows the field!

JUPITER ASCENDING

 

Sean starred as an ex-military, half bee-man & mentor Stinger Apini alongside Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis, and old friend Eddie Redmayne in this visually gorgeous, ambitious, lavishly expensive science fiction fantasy fairy tale by The Wachowskis, released worldwide in February 2015. It was panned by critics & general audiences, but I really liked it a lot.

ANY DAY (alternate title FIGHTING DEMONS)

Sean starred as Vian McLean, a boxer who had made a mistake early in life & served prison time for it. Older now, he looked to remake himself when he was released, and connected deeply with his young nephew, Jimmy, while juggling his new life's challenges. Made by Rustam Branaman, released to limited screens and DVD in March-June 2015. I liked it ok because of casting which included Eva Longoria, Paul Ben-Victor, and Tom Arnold, but not so much the story or ending.

SEAN BEAN ON WATERLOO

Sean hosted this 2-part documentary made by History UK channel for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 2015. I'm quite certain that Sean asked to to this, primarily because of how much he loved playing Richard Sharpe in Bernard Cornwell's TV movie adaptions for many years, as well as genuine interest in the history subject of it. I immensely enjoyed this, and I hope it gets a wider release.

 
PIXELS

A comedy by Adam Sandler, Sean was briefly seen as SAS Corporal Hill fighting big bad aliens who try to conquer Earth as 80's arcade video game incarnations such as Pacman, Centipede, Frogger, and Donkey Kong. Yes, it was as silly as it sounds, but quite amusing in spots and my opinion was helped by other actor faves in it such as Brian Cox and Peter Dinklage, who all looked like they had a blast. Released worldwide in July 2015.

THE MARTIAN

Sean starred in a supporting role as Flight Director Mitch Henderson in this thrilling and unexpectedly funny science fiction movie by Ridley Scott, about a man unknowingly left behind on an aborted Mars mission. Matt Damon is also excellent in the lead role, I enjoyed it very much. Since it's worldwide release in October 2015, it's received many award nominations as one of the best movies of the year.

THE FRANKENSTEIN CHRONICLES

This was my fave of the year. Sean starred in the lead as John Marlott, an ex-95th Rifle and newly made London police investigator who finds an odd corpse that suggests the fictional Frankenstein and which leads him on a chase for a missing girl and a murderer who has committed multiple atrocities in the eyes of many people. I really loved how it intertwined William Blake, galvanism, and the history of UK law's Anatomy Act with Mary Shelley's famous book that was contemporary to this period.

LEGENDS

The second, and apparently (as of this writing) final, series of Sean's Martin Odum, a super spy whose undercover aliases have become blurred in his mind from a severe accident during one of his assignments. After being accused of murder in the US (in Series 1), he fled to Europe to pursue more answers, and he did get them. Superb acting and supporting cast in a very gripping, tense, and realistic spy story, it was faithful to the spirit of the Legends book by Robert Littell that it was based upon.

Once again, thank you so much for your support in reading this blog & subscribing to our Facebook page for more frequent updates at https://www.facebook.com/nedstarkatrueking. We'll see what 2016 has for us fans in the next update here!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

The Frankenstein Chronicles starring Sean Bean Ep 1.06 "Lost and Found" Finale Wednesday on ITV Encore!

Last episode of the series! It has been absolutely terrific, and I'm also left wondering if there's more story to tell about Sean's John Marlott. The tale has been way too short.

The 6-part series begins in Spain 15th December and airs on premium Wuaki.tv beginning 18th December!

Still waiting for air date announcements by France's Canal Plus network and by US entity A&E Network, please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest news!
https://www.facebook.com/nedstarkatrueking
 

The following info is from ITV's Press Centre:
http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep6week51/frankenstein-chronicles

Episode 6: Lost and Found

Marlott pieces together the links in the chain to connect the supplier of corpses with the his final suspect.

Series overview

“An evil that almost defies reason”

Incorporating elements from the investigative and horror genres with an extraordinary hero at its centre, Inspector John Marlott, played by multi-awarding winning leading actor Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Accused), is taken on a terrifying journey in pursuit of a chilling and diabolical foe.
Cast joining Sean Bean includes Anna Maxwell Martin (The Bletchley Circle), Charlie Creed-Miles (Ripper Street), Ed Stoppard (Cilla), Elliot Cowan (Da Vinci’s Demons), Hugh O’Conor (Chocolat), Joe Tucker (Bronson), Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones), Lalor Roddy (Hunger), Patrick Fitzsymons (Game of Thrones) and Richie Campbell (Waterloo Road). Robbie Gee (Snatch), Ryan Sampson (Plebs), Samuel West (Mr Selfridge), Shaun Mason (Cilla), Steve Wilson (Game of Thrones), Steven Berkoff (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Stuart Graham (The Fall), Tom Ward (Silent Witness) and Vanessa Kirby (About Time) will also star.

Set in Georgian London in 1827, The Frankenstein Chronicles has been created by Emmy nominated director and writer Benjamin Ross (The Young Poisoner’s Handbook, Torte Bluma – both as director) and writer Barry Langford (Torte Bluma).

Who is going to be revealed as the real murderer? Can't wait to see!
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

The Frankenstein Chronicles starring Sean Bean Ep 1.05 "The Frankenstein Murders" Wednesday on ITV Encore!

Two more episodes to go! It's really been an amazing series, with all the puzzle pieces of the mystery, famous people and how it all fits together, plus one of Sean's finest performances yet. You won't be disappointed!

Yet another reminder the 6-part series has also been acquired by France's Canal Plus network and by US entity A&E Network.


 
Those premiere dates are yet to be announced, please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest news! https://www.facebook.com/nedstarkatrueking

The following info is from ITV's Press Centre:
http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep5week50/frankenstein-chronicles

Episode 5: The Frankenstein Murders

Boz publishes his newspaper article, The Frankenstein Murders, which causes a public outcry and infuriates Peel on the eve of the Anatomy Act. Mary Shelley follows her own line of enquiry into the medical practice of Sir William Chester, uncovering secrets from the past. Marlott decides to go back to Greenwich to where it all began, is there something he is missing?

Series overview

“An evil that almost defies reason”

Incorporating elements from the investigative and horror genres with an extraordinary hero at its centre, Inspector John Marlott, played by multi-awarding winning leading actor Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Accused), is taken on a terrifying journey in pursuit of a chilling and diabolical foe.
Cast joining Sean Bean includes Anna Maxwell Martin (The Bletchley Circle), Charlie Creed-Miles (Ripper Street), Ed Stoppard (Cilla), Elliot Cowan (Da Vinci’s Demons), Hugh O’Conor (Chocolat), Joe Tucker (Bronson), Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones), Lalor Roddy (Hunger), Patrick Fitzsymons (Game of Thrones) and Richie Campbell (Waterloo Road). Robbie Gee (Snatch), Ryan Sampson (Plebs), Samuel West (Mr Selfridge), Shaun Mason (Cilla), Steve Wilson (Game of Thrones), Steven Berkoff (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Stuart Graham (The Fall), Tom Ward (Silent Witness) and Vanessa Kirby (About Time) will also star.

Set in Georgian London in 1827, The Frankenstein Chronicles has been created by Emmy nominated director and writer Benjamin Ross (The Young Poisoner’s Handbook, Torte Bluma – both as director) and writer Barry Langford (Torte Bluma).

Who is going to be revealed as the murderer? Can't wait to see!
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

The Frankenstein Chronicles starring Sean Bean Ep 1.04 "The Fortune Of War" Wed on ITV Encore!

Halfway through the series & I'm LOVING it!! Events are progressing but it seems slow because of the deliciously intense detail that Sean knows how to play OH so well.
At this point we've already seen John Marlott's demons, how he ties into the Frankenstein story that Mary Shelley wrote, and how it is connecting to the mystery that Marlott is investigating, along with the legal wrangling of pending vote on The Anatomy Act.


Gah, I don't want to say any more to avoid spoiling! When it comes time to write episode reviews for the American & European broadcasts (and hopefully wider UK access) I'm going to be quite garrulous!! :-)

Yet another reminder the 6-part series has also been acquired by France's Canal Plus network and by US entity A&E Network. Those premiere dates are yet to be announced, please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest news! https://www.facebook.com/nedstarkatrueking

VIDEO preview for episode 1.04
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltE3ZMPnnEE

The following info is from ITV's Press Centre:
http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep4week49/frankenstein-chronicles

Episode 4: The Fortune Of War

Marlott takes a terrified Pritty on their assignation to meet the men who kill for money – they find themselves in the tunnels under Smithfield market, which run from the Fortune of War pub to St Bart’s Hospital.

Flora has returned to Marlott’s lodgings, but now she is back Marlott intends to use her as bait for the murderous gang, much against Nightingale’s wishes.

Series overview

“An evil that almost defies reason”

Incorporating elements from the investigative and horror genres with an extraordinary hero at its centre, Inspector John Marlott, played by multi-awarding winning leading actor Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Accused), is taken on a terrifying journey in pursuit of a chilling and diabolical foe.
Cast joining Sean Bean includes Anna Maxwell Martin (The Bletchley Circle), Charlie Creed-Miles (Ripper Street), Ed Stoppard (Cilla), Elliot Cowan (Da Vinci’s Demons), Hugh O’Conor (Chocolat), Joe Tucker (Bronson), Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones), Lalor Roddy (Hunger), Patrick Fitzsymons (Game of Thrones) and Richie Campbell (Waterloo Road). Robbie Gee (Snatch), Ryan Sampson (Plebs), Samuel West (Mr Selfridge), Shaun Mason (Cilla), Steve Wilson (Game of Thrones), Steven Berkoff (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Stuart Graham (The Fall), Tom Ward (Silent Witness) and Vanessa Kirby (About Time) will also star.

Set in Georgian London in 1827, The Frankenstein Chronicles has been created by Emmy nominated director and writer Benjamin Ross (The Young Poisoner’s Handbook, Torte Bluma – both as director) and writer Barry Langford (Torte Bluma).

Closing in on the culprit(s), very eager to see the next episode!
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

The Frankenstein Chronicles starring Sean Bean Ep 1.03 "All The Lost Children" Wed. on ITV Encore!

I've seen 2 episodes & I'm hooked! Just dying to talk about it, but I'll still refrain until larger TV markets see it, to generate wider interest when the time comes to post. I just want you to know that your wait will be worth it! Because of the deeply personal themes, I think this might be one of Sean Bean's finest performances yet.

Another reminder the 6-part series has also been acquired for broadcast by France's Canal Plus network and by US entity A&E Network. Those premiere dates are yet to be announced, please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest news!
https://www.facebook.com/nedstarkatrueking


VIDEO preview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=S8ZeskOzWoU



The following info is from ITV's Press Centre:
http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep3week48/frankenstein-chronicles

Episode 3: All The Lost Children

Having escaped the clutches of Billy Oates, Flora throws herself on Marlott’s mercy.  Believing her to be a key witness to Alice’s disappearance, he brings her to his lodgings for safety.

As the investigation continues, Marlott travels to Kentish Town to interrogate Mary Shelley. The connection between her monster and the child corpse cannot be a mere coincidence…

Series overview

“An evil that almost defies reason”

Incorporating elements from the investigative and horror genres with an extraordinary hero at its centre, Inspector John Marlott, played by multi-awarding winning leading actor Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Accused), is taken on a terrifying journey in pursuit of a chilling and diabolical foe.
Cast joining Sean Bean includes Anna Maxwell Martin (The Bletchley Circle), Charlie Creed-Miles (Ripper Street), Ed Stoppard (Cilla), Elliot Cowan (Da Vinci’s Demons), Hugh O’Conor (Chocolat), Joe Tucker (Bronson), Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones), Lalor Roddy (Hunger), Patrick Fitzsymons (Game of Thrones) and Richie Campbell (Waterloo Road). Robbie Gee (Snatch), Ryan Sampson (Plebs), Samuel West (Mr Selfridge), Shaun Mason (Cilla), Steve Wilson (Game of Thrones), Steven Berkoff (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Stuart Graham (The Fall), Tom Ward (Silent Witness) and Vanessa Kirby (About Time) will also star.

Set in Georgian London in 1827, The Frankenstein Chronicles has been created by Emmy nominated director and writer Benjamin Ross (The Young Poisoner’s Handbook, Torte Bluma – both as director) and writer Barry Langford (Torte Bluma).

Keeps getting better, can't wait to see the next episode!
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

The Frankenstein Chronicles starring Sean Bean Ep 1.02 "Seeing Things," Wednesday on ITV Encore!

I saw this with my subscription & loved it! But I've thought about it & I think I'll wait until the wider official broadcast in Europe & the US to write formal blog post reviews. Hopefully it will get wider UK release too!

There's a ton to talk about, including some surprising Marlott character facts that link to another Sean role. I still plan on posting weekly previews from ITV.

And a reminder the 6-part series has also been acquired for broadcast by France's Canal Plus network and by US entity A&E Network. Those premiere dates are yet to be announced, please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest news!
https://www.facebook.com/nedstarkatrueking/



The following info is from ITV's Press Centre: http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep2week47/frankenstein-chronicles

Episode 2:  Seeing Things

Marlott (Sean Bean) visits the house of artist and printmaker William Blake (Steven Berkoff) who is on his deathbed, but he receives Marlott as a prophet of things to come.

Marlott confers with Nightingale (Richie Campbell) who has been keeping watch on a public house, The Fortune of War, which is situated opposite St Barts hospital in Smithfield.  This is where the body snatchers gather, along with their “goods” which they sell at the hospital.  Marlott identifies one body snatcher, Pritty (Charlie Creed-Miles), as potentially helpful, and he and Nightingale set up a cunning ‘sting’ which brings him into their service. Pritty is most indignant; body snatching is not illegal.  He considers himself to be a businessman and hotly denies anything to do with the sutured child – though he does know of a gang who might not shrink at darker acts.  Marlott charges him to arrange a meeting with them.

Series overview

“An evil that almost defies reason”

Incorporating elements from the investigative and horror genres with an extraordinary hero at its centre, Inspector John Marlott, played by multi-awarding winning leading actor Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Accused), is taken on a terrifying journey in pursuit of a chilling and diabolical foe.

Cast joining Sean Bean includes Anna Maxwell Martin (The Bletchley Circle), Charlie Creed-Miles (Ripper Street), Ed Stoppard (Cilla), Elliot Cowan (Da Vinci’s Demons), Hugh O’Conor (Chocolat), Joe Tucker (Bronson), Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones), Lalor Roddy (Hunger), Patrick Fitzsymons (Game of Thrones) and Richie Campbell (Waterloo Road). Robbie Gee (Snatch), Ryan Sampson (Plebs), Samuel West (Mr Selfridge), Shaun Mason (Cilla), Steve Wilson (Game of Thrones), Steven Berkoff (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Stuart Graham (The Fall), Tom Ward (Silent Witness) and Vanessa Kirby (About Time) will also star.

Set in Georgian London in 1827, The Frankenstein Chronicles has been created by Emmy nominated director and writer Benjamin Ross (The Young Poisoner’s Handbook, Torte Bluma – both as director) and writer Barry Langford (Torte Bluma).

Can't wait to see this next episode!

Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

The Frankenstein Chronicles starring Sean Bean Premieres 11th November on ITV Encore!

Sean Bean UK fans, you're up first to experience the horror & the puzzle that is THE FRANKENSTEIN CHRONICLES! The 6-part series has also been acquired for broadcast by France's Canal Plus network and by US entity A&E Network. Those premiere dates are yet to be announced, please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest news! https://www.facebook.com/nedstarkatrueking/

The following info is from ITV's Press Centre: http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep1week46/frankenstein-chronicles

Episode 1 - World without God

 

London 1827: River Thames at night - a smuggling operation is underway – suddenly, a river police launch is bearing down on the smugglers and a fight breaks out, followed by a furious chase to the shore.

 

John Marlott (Sean Bean), a senior river police officer and veteran of the Battle of Waterloo, paces the shoreline of the Thames reviewing the aftermath.  A sharp police whistle draws his attention towards a small shape lying at the waters edge.  As he approaches he sees it is the body of a child, a young girl around 10 years of age.  Her body is covered in crude sutures, and is a horrifying sight.  He reaches down to touch the dead hand – but in a moment of terror, the hand grabs him back!

 

The dreadful corpse is brought to the urgent attention of the Home Secretary, Sir Robert Peel (Tom Ward), who summons Marlott, and tells him that he wants him to undertake a private investigation. The leading surgeon at St Bart’s hospital in Smithfield, Sir William Chester (Samuel West), tells Marlott that the corpse was made up of seven or eight bodies stitched together.  

 

Marlott is put to work within the offices of the Bow Street Runners, and recruits an optimistic young runner, Nightingale (Richie Campbell), to assist him. Marlott’s attention is then drawn towards a slum dwelling where criminal Billy Oates (Robbie Gee) masterminds his gang of child criminals.  There he discovers a young girl Flora (Eloise Smyth).  He also finds a painting on the wall. It is “Little Girl Lost” by the artist William Blake (Steven Berkoff) – Marlott resolves to investigate further.

Series overview

 

“An evil that almost defies reason”

 

Incorporating elements from the investigative and horror genres with an extraordinary hero at its centre, Inspector John Marlott, played by multi-awarding winning leading actor Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Accused), is taken on a terrifying journey in pursuit of a chilling and diabolical foe.

 

Cast joining Sean Bean includes Anna Maxwell Martin (The Bletchley Circle), Charlie Creed-Miles (Ripper Street), Ed Stoppard (Cilla), Elliot Cowan (Da Vinci’s Demons), Hugh O’Conor (Chocolat), Joe Tucker (Bronson), Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones), Lalor Roddy (Hunger), Patrick Fitzsymons (Game of Thrones) and Richie Campbell (Waterloo Road). Robbie Gee (Snatch), Ryan Sampson (Plebs), Samuel West (Mr Selfridge), Shaun Mason (Cilla), Steve Wilson (Game of Thrones), Steven Berkoff (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Stuart Graham (The Fall), Tom Ward (Silent Witness) and Vanessa Kirby (About Time) will also star.

 

Set in Georgian London in 1827, The Frankenstein Chronicles has been created by Emmy nominated director and writer Benjamin Ross (The Young Poisoner’s Handbook, Torte Bluma – both as director) and writer Barry Langford (Torte Bluma).

 

Can't wait to see THE FRANKENSTEIN CHRONICLES!!

Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

Sean Bean Busy Filming THE FRANKENSTEIN CHRONICLES & oh, Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Sean!! May it be bright & blessed!!

It's the 17th of April 2015 and this year Sean is in & around Belfast, Northern Ireland, hard at work filming ITV's premium channel inaugural crime drama series THE FRANKENSTEIN CHRONICLES, rumoured to be premiering in December! Again, Sean is starring in it as Inspector John Marlott. The production will be a six-part period piece set in 1827.
Here are some of my fave set photos from THE FRANKENSTEIN CHRONICLES so far:

 

 

 

 

I think Sean is looking wonderful & very fit!!
Cheers & thanks so much for reading this blog!!
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)