Jessica Franklin revives her great‑niece Rosalind's secret life on TV

A new television series about pioneering scientist Rosalind Franklin is underway, written by her great‑niece Jessica Franklin and directed by Valerie Weiss.

The project, titled *Secret of Life*, will be produced by Elizabeth Bay Productions and is set to offer a broader look at Franklin’s career than the upcoming film adaptation of *Photograph 51*. The series will be sold to buyers at MIPCOM Cannes through WestEnd Films.

## Background & Context

Rosalind Franklin (1920‑1958) remains one of the most celebrated yet overlooked figures in modern science.

A brilliant chemist and crystallographer, she produced the critical X‑ray diffraction images that revealed DNA’s double helix, a discovery that propelled Watson, Crick, and Wilkins to the Nobel Prize in 1962—an accolade that famously excluded Franklin.

Her meticulous work on the structure of viruses—particularly the tobacco mosaic virus—further laid the groundwork for virology, influencing vaccine development that ultimately accelerated COVID‑19 immunisation strategies.

Franklin’s story has been explored in a handful of dramatic works. In 2019, playwright Anna Ziegler’s stage play *Photograph 51* debuted, with Nicole Kidman delivering an acclaimed portrayal that earned the production a Tony nomination for Best Play.

The narrative was later adapted into a feature film directed by Tom Hooper, slated for release in 2025 with Natalie Portman as the lead.

However, these projects have largely focused on the climactic moment of DNA’s revelation. *Secret of Life* promises to extend beyond that single event, charting Franklin’s early fascination with microscopy, her rigorous training under Dorothy Crowfoot Lewis, and the personal challenges she faced in a male‑dominated field.

The series arrives at a time when scientific biopics are gaining traction—think of the 2021 Netflix hit *The Crown*’s science episode or the BBC’s *The Genius of Science*. Audiences are increasingly hungry for narratives that intertwine personal struggle with groundbreaking research, and Franklin’s tale offers precisely that.

By contextualizing her contributions within broader scientific milestones, the show will illuminate the often‑ignored foundational work that underpins modern medicine.

## What People Are Saying

Jessica Franklin described the project as “the greatest challenge and the greatest honour of my life.” Her deep familial connection brings an authenticity that has resonated with fans of both the stage and film adaptations. “I grew up listening to stories about her courage, her precision, and her quiet determination,” she said.

“Bringing those qualities to the screen feels like a family legacy coming full circle.”

Director Valerie Weiss, whose résumé includes *The Last Days of Henrietta Lacks* and *The Good Nurse*, praised Franklin’s resilience. “Rosalind was my hero since I first studied biology,” Weiss shared.

“Her meticulous nature and unyielding curiosity set a standard that still informs how I approach storytelling.” Her involvement is expected to sharpen the series’ scientific authenticity while ensuring emotional depth.

Fans of the original play have expressed enthusiasm for a more expansive narrative. A popular online forum thread devoted to *Photograph 51* revealed that 87 % of respondents wished for a deeper exploration of Franklin’s early career and her collaborative work with Dorothy Lewis.

“I loved the play, but I kept thinking, ‘What else is there? Why did she keep silent?’” one user wrote.

Industry insiders see *Secret of Life* as a pivotal addition to the genre. The production’s alignment with WestEnd Films—known for distributing high‑profile series such as *The Queen’s Gambit*—positions it for global reach.

“We’re looking at a market hungry for quality, historically grounded content,” said a senior executive at WestEnd Films. “Franklin’s story has the universal appeal of triumph over adversity and the intrigue of scientific discovery.”

## What Happens Next

Elizabeth Bay Productions, an independent outfit run by Dennis Davidson and Grant Hill, has already built credibility with projects like Terrence Malick’s *A Hidden Life* and the award‑winning documentary *The Last of Us*. Their involvement signals a commitment to high production values and nuanced storytelling.

Weiss will co‑produce through her own entity, ensuring creative control while aligning with Bay’s seasoned production experience.

Casting will be led by Shakyra Dowling, who originally cast Nicole Kidman in *Photograph 51*. Dowling’s eye for chemistry between actors is expected to bring authenticity to Franklin’s relationships with colleagues such as Maurice Wilkins, Raymond Fischer, and the later‑emerging scientist John H. Watson.

A preliminary slate hints at a strong supporting cast that will portray the scientific community of the 1940s and 1950s, including figures like Linus Pauling and Frederick Sanger.

The series’ development has already attracted attention from several broadcasters in Europe and North America. While official distribution partners remain to be announced, early indications suggest a multi‑season arc with each episode running approximately 45 minutes.

The first season will likely focus on Franklin’s formative years, her graduate work at Cambridge, the pivotal 1951 X‑ray diffraction studies, and the controversies that followed her death.

Subsequent seasons could explore her posthumous legacy, the eventual recognition in 2023 as an equal contributor to DNA’s discovery, and how her methods influenced contemporary viral research.

From an industry perspective, *Secret of Life* underscores a growing trend: biographical dramas are increasingly being leveraged to highlight women’s contributions to STEM fields. By centering a female scientist who broke barriers decades ago, the series aligns with current calls for diverse representation in media.

Additionally, the show is poised to benefit from heightened public interest in science sparked by the pandemic, positioning it as both educational and entertaining.

## Final Thoughts

Rosalind Franklin’s story is one of meticulous brilliance, quiet perseverance, and an enduring impact on modern science. With Jessica Franklin’s intimate narrative voice and Valerie Weiss’s cinematic expertise, *Secret of Life* promises a richly textured portrayal that goes beyond the headlines of *Photograph 51*.

As fans and scholars alike await its debut, the series stands to cement Franklin’s rightful place in history while inspiring new generations of scientists. The television adaptation is not just a retelling; it is a celebration of discovery, resilience, and an invitation to reexamine the narratives that shape our understanding of science.