Jason Isaacs looks unrecognizable in character as he transforms into late screen legend Cary Grant for new ITVX biopic Archie – but admits he ‘would never be crazy enough to try and put on his iconic shoes ”
Jason Isaacs looked unrecognizable as late Hollywood icon Cary Grant as he was spotted filming the upcoming ITVX biopic Archie in Manchester on Thursday.
The Harry Potter star, 59, is set to play Cary in the four-part drama series which will cover his humble beginnings in the UK through to his phenomenal rise to success in America.
The on-set sighting comes as Jason said in a statement that he “would never be crazy enough to try and put on Cary’s signature shoes.”
What a metamorphosis! Jason Isaacs (left) looked unrecognizable on Thursday as he transformed into late screen legend Cary Grant (right) for the new ITV biopic Archie
During filming, Jason looked dapper in a navy and gray suit and coat, with his black hair slicked back and out of his face.
He wore heavy makeup and possibly prosthetics as he transformed into a late screen icon.
Actress Harriet Walter, 72, was also spotted on set.
Latest role: The Harry Potter star, 59, is set to play Cary in the four-part drama series which will cover his humble beginnings in the UK to his phenomenal rise to success in America
Co-star: Actress Harriet Walter, 72, was also spotted on set
The title of the biopic comes from Cary’s birth name, Archibald Alec Leach.
The star died aged 82 in Iowa, USA in 1986, but was known for films such as An An Affair to Remember and To Catch a Thief, starring Grace Kelly.
curry is quoted in author Scott Eyman’s 2020 book Cary Grant: A Brilliant Disguise as saying he was ‘playing a character’ all his life.
“He’s a completely made-up character and I’m playing a role. I’m not really Cary Grant. In my mind, I’m just a vaudevillian named Archie Leach,” Cary said.
“But I think Cary Grant has done wonders for my life.”
Late Icon: The title of the biopic comes from Cary’s birth name, Archibald Alec Leach. Photographed in 1942
The book addresses his struggle with his sexual identity for years, as he lived with actor Randolph Scott and was considered bisexual at best.
Cary, real name Archibald ‘Archie’ Leach, had four marriages, fell madly in love with Sophia Loren, underwent years of therapy to manage his narcissism and temper.
He didn’t see some relief until years later when actress Betsy Drake, Grant’s third wife, introduced him to psychotherapy and LSD.
Before Hollywood, he joined a troupe of acrobats, learned stilts and dreamed of traveling.
Jason told Variety in a statement of his excitement at playing the role and his concern.
“There was only one Cary Grant and I would never be mad enough to try and put on his iconic shoes,” Jason told Variety in a statement.
‘Archie Leach, on the other hand, couldn’t be further from the persona he invented to save himself.
He added: “It’s a story of a man, not a legend, and these are shoes I can’t wait to walk in.”
Jason is known for his roles in particular in Harry Potter, the Good Sam series and Castlevania.
“There was only one Cary Grant and I would never be mad enough to try and put on his iconic shoes,” Jason told Variety in a statement. The star is pictured in London on Sunday
Advertising