Paul Dano and Lily James to lead War and Peace

The problem with adapting Leo Tolstoy's iconic novel War and Peace is how to do justice to the mammoth 1,440 pages without feeling like you've been watching it for an eternity.

The solution? Turn it into a mini-series, rather than a movie. At least that's what BBC are hoping to do with their upcoming adaptation.

The ambitious series is currently casting and there are two young actors circling the project. Paul Dano, best known for There Will Be Blood and, more recently, Prisoners, and Lily James, of Downton Abbey fame, are set to play Pierre Bezukhov and Natasha Rostova respectively.

Part of the sprawling tale follows the love affair between the pair. The characters have previously been played by Henry Fonda and Audrey Hepburn in a 1956 film.

The drama will be scripted by Andrew Davies, who was also behind adaptations of Vanity Fair, Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. In other words, we're in safe hands. It will also be produced by the Weinsteins, who are aiming to do more TV in the future.

Dano will next be seen in Love & Mercy playing Brian Wilson while Lily James is taking on the role of Cinderella opposite Cate Blanchett.

Both actors haven't been confirmed yet but they're rumoured to be close to signing.

War and Peace will air in 2015

CHECK OUT THE GREATEST PIECES OF LEO TOLSTOY WISDOM

[via Deadline]

(Images: Rex Features, All Star)