Joanne Froggatt, best known for her role in Downton Abbey, is in final talks to join the cast of MGM+'s upcoming remake of The Magnificent Seven, according to Deadline. The 45-year-old actress is rumoured to play the leader of a Quaker group under siege in the eight-episode drama series.
The Magnificent Seven is a reimagining of the classic 1960 Western film, itself a remake of Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai. The series is set in the 1880s American frontier and follows seven mercenaries hired to protect a peaceful Quaker village after a massacre by a ruthless land baron.
Matt Dillon has already been confirmed to star as Chris Adams, the role originally played by Yul Brynner. Dillon will also serve as an executive producer. Production is expected to begin in June in Calgary.
The series will explore themes of honour, sacrifice, redemption, morality, and faith, delving into the backstories of each of the seven gunslingers. MGM+ has teased that the show will question whether violence is acceptable to defend people whose faith is based on non-violence.
Froggatt's other credits include MobLand, Coronation Street, Liar, and Angela Black. A release date for the series has not yet been announced.
