News | Entertainment
24 Dec 2025 8:27
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Matt Smith is "honoured" to have taken on a modern version of 'Ninteteen Eighty-Four'

    The former 'Crown' star reads the diary entries of George Orwell's classic character Winston Smith in a new audiobook take on the title, titled 'Twenty Twenty-One' to highlight the similarities between increasing online surveillance and the society predicted in the 1949 novel, and he was keen to raise awareness of "digital freedom"


    He said: “'Nineteen Eighty-Four' is a literary classic and Winston is a fascinating character, so to be able to bring the story into the modern day is an honour.

    "Great literature maintains a universality over the course of time - particularly true in the case of this novel, which still feels extremely pertinent today.

    "I’ve got involved in this project as I feel having digital freedom online is so important in today’s society. In a world where we may feel required to share more of ourselves than ever before, it’s something we should endeavour to be really diligent about.”

    The front cover of the story has been reimagined for the modern day by illustrator and artist Rodrigo Corral.

    The tale has been re-released by Avast, who want to protect digital freedom for everyone and secure their online privacy, and have carried out a survey which revealed almost seven out of 10 people are concerned their online activity is tracked by the sites and apps they use, but 53% weren't aware their online information could be sold for advertising and marketing purposes.

    The research showed 71% of Brits are familiar with or have read Orwell's classic novel, and 82% believe the hyper-surveillance themes of the story are coming true today.

    Shane McNamee, Chief Privacy Officer at Avast said: “Avast believes online privacy is a fundamental human right. Online interactions which involve people’s personal data aren’t just economic transactions, but instead are inextricably linked to digital identity or personality.

    "Our research shows many people admitting that they should be doing more to further protect themselves online. By being informed about and reviewing the personal data consumers allow access to, and having the right tools to help take back control of their online existence, users can take steps to better protect themselves online. That way, we can help prevent 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' from becoming a reality.”

    Listen to the audiobook featuring Matt Smith via Spotify and Apple podcasts. 'Twenty Twenty-One' is also available as a digital book via Kindle. The book is priced at 99p and all proceeds raised will be donated to the Orwell Foundation.

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     24 Dec: Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried "just clicked" while working on The Housemaid
     24 Dec: Maria Shriver has slammed Donald Trump over his reaction to Rob Reiner's death
     24 Dec: Sydney Sweeney has teased The Housemaid is "juicy and delicious"
     24 Dec: Brittany Snow has "never" had cosmetic surgery
     24 Dec: Charlie Hunnam is a "frustrated writer/director", despite his successful acting career
     23 Dec: Rebel Wilson finds being a working mom "really, really tricky"
     23 Dec: Nicole Scherzinger wants to lounge around like "a potato" over the festive period
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Jonny Tata's quest to become the first kiwi to advance to the third round at the world darts championship has been dashed More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Concern a free trade deal with India may have a modest economic impact More...



     Today's News

    Rugby:
    Jonny Tata's quest to become the first kiwi to advance to the third round at the world darts championship has been dashed 8:27

    Entertainment:
    Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried "just clicked" while working on The Housemaid 8:20

    Business:
    Concern a free trade deal with India may have a modest economic impact 8:17

    Living & Travel:
    Christmas festivities return to Bethlehem after two years as Palestinians hope for a 'better future' 8:07

    Environment:
    Enjoy your Christmas cook up - but make sure it follows the rules 8:07

    Entertainment:
    Maria Shriver has slammed Donald Trump over his reaction to Rob Reiner's death 7:50

    Politics:
    NSW parliament passes tougher laws on guns and protests after Bondi Beach attack 7:47

    Politics:
    An Auckland community development organisation says it is being forced to do more with less 7:47

    Business:
    A jury's ordered US pharmaceutical giant Johnson and Johnson to pay more than 2.5 billion dollars - to a woman who blamed it for causing her cancer 7:37

    Cricket:
    Devon Conway has pushed aside a partial pay-day to be available for New Zealand's white-ball tours of India next month 7:27


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd