Based on the Man-Booker Prize winning novel by Eleanor Catton, The Luminaries is an epic story set during the 19th century during New Zealand’s gold rush. The story follows young adventurer Anna Wetherell (Hewson), who has sailed from Britain to New Zealand to begin a new life and make her fortune.

Daughter of legendary Musician Bono, Hewson has been carving out a name for herself within the film industry. Her first breakthrough role was in This Must Be the Place, after which she played Nurse Lucy Elkins in Steven Soderbergh's TV series The Knick. More recently she stars as Maid Marian in the contemporary take on the classic tale of Robin Hood set for release this November.

Hewson will star alongside Eva Green whose impressive array of credits includes Penny Dreadful, Camelot, Sin City and Casino Royale. 

Speaking of the adaptation Green said, "Eleanor has written a series of brilliant screenplays. I loved her original novel and it’s so exciting that her own screen adaptation reveals yet more exquisite material".

Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two, stated, “The Luminaries is an astonishing novel exploring love and greed on the New Zealand frontier, and we are delighted that Eleanor and the team at Working Title has brought this brilliant adaptation to BBC Two. With Clare McCarthy directing and a formidable cast led by Eve Hewson, Eva Green and Marton Csokas, this promises to be truly stunning and hugely ambitious series.”