Making the Movie The Pillars of the Earth
Photo: Egon Endrenyi
The Pillars of the Earth is a sweeping, epic tale of good, evil, violence and beauty set against the backdrop of war, religious strife and power struggles. The eight-hour television adaptation of Ken Follett's best-selling novel premieres July 23 on Starz with a star-studded cast, including Ian McShane, Matthew Macfadyen and Donald Sutherland.
Plus, Rufus Sewell is leaving the dark side. Read our exclusive interview with Rufus Sewell about his role as Tom the Builder.
Plus, Rufus Sewell is leaving the dark side. Read our exclusive interview with Rufus Sewell about his role as Tom the Builder.
Making The Pillars of the Earth TV Series
Go behind the scenes as the cast and crew share their experiences making one of the most elaborate TV series on film, Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth.
Why The Pillars of the Earth Is the Must-See Miniseries
Go inside the filming of Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth and find out why cast members say they'll never again view the world around them the same.
Get to Know Who's Who in Kingsbridge
Kings and queens, priors and archbishops, architects and heirs—meet the brilliant cast that brings The Pillars of the Earth to life.
Check Out the Movie Photo Gallery
Watch the characters in action on the set in these gorgeous moments from the movie.
Learn About Author Ken Follett's Inspiration
Ken Follett has made a career of keeping readers at the edge of their seats with his suspenseful spy thrillers. So what made him write about cathedrals in the Middle Ages?
Read Author Ken Follett's Blog
Ken Follett has said that The Pillars of the Earth is the work he's most proud of. His blogs offer an unusual opportunity to go beyond the written page, behind the scenes of the miniseries and into the mind of the man who first brought it all to life.
- Author Ken Follett's role in the movie
- Casting Ian McShane as Waleran
- Wrapping up filming with Ridley Scott
- Casting the villains
- Turning a book into a movie
- Writing the love stories
- The importance of cathedrals in the story
- The young cast and their story arcs
- Medieval architecture and clergy characters
Don't Miss These Exclusive Videos!
It takes a village to bring The Pillars of the Earth to life. From preproduction meetings to costume fittings, these exclusive videos take you behind the scenes and inside the making of an epic miniseries.
- A preproduction storyboard meeting
- Take a peek at the making of the set
- Costume fitting with the film's actresses
- Ken Follett tours the set for the first time
- Producer Ridley Scott visits the set
- Filming The Pillars of the Earth movie
Get the complete reader's guide to Oprah's Book Club selection The Pillars of the Earth.