0
The actor who originally brought iconic Thunderbirds character ‘Parker’ to life is set to return to his chauffeur’s job 50 years after the show first hit TV screens.
A new series of Thunderbirds Are Go! will feature British actress Rosamund Pike as Lady Penelope with David Graham reprising his role as international rescue agent Parker.
Starting in 2015 on ITV, the new series will be produced using a mix of computer generated imagery (CGI) and live-action miniature sets, making it a digital reinvention of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s iconic version, which became famous for its “Supermarionation” puppetry technique.
Graham said: “I am triple chuffed to be on board the new series of Thunderbirds Are Go! and reprising my role of dear old Parker with such a distinguished cast.
“My driving skills are in good nick and I am delighted to be behind the wheel again with M’Lady. Cheerio!”
A film inspired by the series, called Thunderbirds, was released in 2004. Starring live actors Vanessa Hudgens and Ben Kingsley instead of marionettes, the film was poorly received and had very low box office takings.
The announcement of the series has come after years of discussion over rights to Thunderbirds between Gerry Anderson and ITV.
Pike said: “I’m very excited to bring Lady Penelope’s wry wit and taste for adventure to a new generation. Exploring the scenes with David Graham has been an absolute delight.
“The scripts are very modern, very fresh and very funny. We’re all eagerly anticipating our next stint in the recording studio!”