National Geographic has announced a new adventure documentary series Fiennes: Return To The Nile. Airing globally on National Geographic in 2019, this new three part-series features the ‘World’s Greatest Living Explorer’, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, as he returns to the scene of one of his earliest feats –his 1969 expedition along the River Nile.

As the 50th anniversary of that quest approaches Sir Ranulph is ready for a new challenge: can he teach his famous cousin, actor Joseph Fiennes (“The Handmaids Tale,” “Shakespeare in Love”), how to master the role of a lifetime?

For over 50 years Sir Ranulph has lived through countless escapades and life-threatening experiences.  From summiting Everest to discovering a lost city in Oman, he’s accomplished more than most men can ever dream of.  His cousin, Joseph Fiennes, is an award-winning actor, star of stage and screen, who shot to fame for his portrayal as William Shakespeare in ‘Shakespeare in Love’ and is currently starring in Emmy award-winning series ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. But can Joseph cut it in Sir Ranulph’s world, does he have what it takes to be an explorer? Together they’ll crawl through the claustrophobic confines of a newly discovered ancient Egyptian tomb in Minya, get to grips with Tachtib – a traditional fighting technique using four foot sticks and come face to face with dangerous snakes and spiders.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes, commented: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to re-trace the steps of my original expedition in 1969, and this time with my cousin Joe and National Geographic. I know first-hand how fascinating and exhilarating Egypt is for an explorer and I can’t wait to show Joe the ropes and to see how much Egypt has changed in the last 50 years”.

Joseph Fiennes, who also serves as a producer on the series, commented: “I am delighted to be embarking on this adventure with National Geographic and my cousin, Ran. It is every boys dream to go on an expedition with the world’s great living explorer. I am delighted to be going on this journey.”

Jules Oldroyd, SVP, International Programming for National Geographic commented: “Authentic, visceral and highly entertaining, Fiennes: Return To The Nile embodies National Geographic’s mission to inspire and ignite the explorer in all of us.  We are thrilled to be working with legendary explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and critically acclaimed actor Joseph Fiennes on this exhilarating and thrilling expedition.”

Derren Lawford, Creative Director and Executive Producer, Woodcut Media, added: “This series marks Woodcut’s first commission with National Geographic and we are delighted to be co-producing this with The Development Partnership for such an iconic channel.  We know that Fiennes: Return To The Nile will take viewers on an incredibly breath-taking and unforgettable journey that will entrance audiences in the US and the world over.”

A test of grit, courage and determination, Fiennes: Return To The Nile will also showcase stunningly beautiful and desolate landscapes and reveal the bond between the cousins as they face challenges at every turn.

Fiennes: Return To The Nile will premiere in 2019 on National Geographic, airing in 172 countries and 43 languages.

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