A new TV version of The War of the Worlds begins filming next week in the UK, France and Belgium.

The 8 x 60 adaptation of HG Wells” classic story about an alien invasion is for Canal+ and Fox Networks Europe and Africa.

It comes from Urban Myth Films, makers of Channel 4 comedy horror Crazyhead; the company is also currently in production on A Confession, a crime drama starring Martin Freeman.

Howard Overman (Vexed, Misfits) has written the sci-fi drama that will take in locations including Cardiff, Newport, London and Bristol. It reportedly shifts the action to the present day and stars Greg Kinnear.

Last year Mammoth Screen completed Peter Harness” Edwardian-set adaptation of the story for BBC One as a three-part drama, starring Eleanor Tomlinson and Rafe Spall. That production largely utilised Liverpool and Cheshire locations.

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Photo: Getty Images News/Dan Kitson.