History Channel Greenlights 'Houdini' Miniseries with Adrien Brody and 'House of Cards' Star / Filming Starts Later This Year

Academy Award winner Adrien Brody will play magician mastermind Harry Houdini in the upcoming TV mini-series on History Channel. The latest project from History Channel will feature some of Houdini's most shocking and iconic illusions.

Chinese water torture chamber? Of course, the straight jacket escape will make it into an episode.

The series will not only focus on Houdini's incredible act, but also deal with growing up as a poor Hungarian immigrant. Much like Houdini's performances, the magician transformed from nothing to an overnight sensation famous for tempting death for entertainment.

After striking huge success with original shows like Hatfields & McCoys and The Bible, History Channel will hope to continue its streak of popular miniseries.

"It's not magic that History has established a strong track record with its high-quality historical dramas from quality auspices," says the network's EVP and general manager Dirk Hoogstra. "We're excited to build on that tremendous momentum with 'Houdini."

Also signed on to the series is Kristen Connolly of the hit Netflix drama House of Cards. Connolly will play Houdini's wife Bess.

History Channel will begin filming the four-part miniseries later this year.

Adrien Brody will join the ranks of Tony Curtis and Harvy Keitel, who have both taken on the role before.

Do you think Brody is right for the role of Houdini?