ITV's 'Tutankhamun' miniseries to film in South Africa this winter

LONDON, July 8 (UPI) -- British broadcaster ITV says it has commissioned a four-part drama series called Tutankhamun, which will tell the story of archeologist Howard Carter's discovery of the tomb of one of Ancient Egypt's forgotten pharaohs.

Set in the early 20th century, the event miniseries written by Guy Burt "will focus on the legendary personal story of Carter, a solitary man on the edge of society who became an iconic figure and an unlikely hero," a news release said.

No casting for the series has been announced yet. Filming is to take place in South Africa during the winter of 2015 and early part of 2016.

The drama will be executive produced by ITV Studios Creative Director of Drama Francis Hopkinson and Catherine Oldfield. Simon Lewis will produce and Peter Webber is to direct.

"Howard Carter's discovery of the lost tomb of Tutankhamun is legendary," Hopkinson said in a statement Wednesday. "His all-consuming, obsessive search for the tomb pushed his friendship with Lord Carnarvon to the brink, whilst the adventurous and extrovert aristocrat poured his inheritance into the excavation."

Oldfield added: "This is a fascinating and compelling story with real historical significance. It's based on true events and reveals how Carter desperately tries to persuade his patron (Carnarvon) to continue to bankroll the excavation. Ultimately, it's the story of what happens when you stake everything on one last roll of the dice."