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Sky orders UK Covid response drama

European satcaster Sky has commissioned a drama series following the UK government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and starring Kenneth Branagh, called This Sceptred Isle.

Kenneth-Branagh

Produced by Fremantle, Richard Brown’s Passenger and Michael Winterbottom’s Revolution Film, the five-parter will focus on prime minister Boris Johnson (Branagh), his government and the country’s response to the first wave of the global pandemic.

Winterbottom (Welcome to Sarajevo, A Mighty Heart, 24 Hour Party People) has co-written the series with Kieron Quirke and will direct all five episodes. He will also executive produce alongside Brown.

Melissa Parmenter will produce for Revolution Films alongside Josh Hyams and Anthony Wilcox.

Tim Shipman, political editor of The Sunday Times, is acting as a consultant on the series.

This Sceptred Isle is the first project to emerge from a multi-year first-look deal for scripted drama series struck by Fremantle and Passenger with Revolution Films.

It will premiere on Sky Atlantic in all Sky territories (UK, Germany, Italy, Austria and Ireland) in autumn 2022 and will air on streaming service Now TV.

Zai Bennett, Sky UK’s MD of content, said: “Covid-19 has presented once-in-a-generation challenges to the world, and in the UK the resilience and fortitude of the public over the past year has been nothing short of extraordinary.

“Portraying NHS [National Health Service] staff and key workers on the frontlines of the extraordinary fight, to those in government facing unprecedented challenges, Michael Winterbottom has a clear and compelling vision in telling this remarkable story.”

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