Joseph Fiennes to star in BBC adaptation of James Graham's play 'Dear England'

Feb. 22 (UPI) -- The Handmaid's Tale and Shakespeare in Love actor Joseph Fiennes has signed up to star in the BBC's adaptation of James Graham's soccer-themed play, Dear England.

Fiennes previously starred in West End stage production of the drama, which was also filmed and released in U.K. theaters.

Rupert Goold -- whose credits include Judy, King Charles III, The Hollow Crown and the play version of Dear England -- will helm the four-part television series.

No other casting or release date have been announced yet.

"Dear England was a back-of-the-net triumph on stage, and we could not be happier to work with James Graham, Joseph Fiennes, Rupert Goold and the team to give it the perfect home on the BBC," Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said in a statement Thursday.

"A story about the England team, football, national identity and so much more, this is hugely entertaining must-see television drama."