Simon Pegg Cyber Thriller, New Take on ‘A Woman of Substance’ Part of Channel 4 Drama Slate

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Channel 4, a popular U.K. broadcaster, has announced a lineup of six dramas featuring notable talents like Simon Pegg, David Harewood, and Siân Brooke. Earlier in August, Ollie Madden, the head of Film4 and Channel 4 Drama, revealed plans to double the drama budget and the number of productions. This move is aimed at ensuring a steady flow of new dramas throughout the year, which is part of Channel 4’s larger goal to transform into a streaming-focused public service broadcaster.

At Channel 4 Drama, we’re dedicated to creating programs that stand out, giving insightful perspectives on British culture in a thought-provoking and innovative manner, all while maintaining a strong focus on entertainment. I’m thrilled to reveal this diverse selection of upcoming productions, each reflecting our unique approach, and we believe our viewers will find them captivating.” – Madden stated.

On Wednesday, it was revealed that Channel 4 has greenlit season 2 of “The Undeclared War,” a gripping cyber-thriller featuring Simon Pegg, Hannah Khalique-Brown, and now Siân Brooke (from “Blue Lights”) as co-leads. The series is produced by Playground Entertainment, with episodes written by Colin Teevan and directed by Paul McGuigan, known for his work on “Sherlock” and “Inside Man.

Additionally, Jack Thorne, known for works such as “His Dark Materials,” “The Eddy,” “Enola Holmes,” and “Joy,” has penned his initial romance story titled “Falling.” According to Channel 4, the series is produced by The Forge and depicts a modern-day drama that delves into the consequences of a woman who spent most of her adult life as a nun, finding herself in an unforeseen love affair with a Catholic priest.

Additionally, Channel 4 will air an eight-part series titled “The Rachel Incident“. This series offers a humorous and sparkling perspective on three young friends in 1990s Ireland. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they become entangled with an older professor and his spouse. The series is based on Caroline O’Donoghue’s novel, and she is working together with Jen Statsky, co-creator of “Hacks“, to develop the comedy-drama.

Simultaneously, the highly-acclaimed playwright Roy Williams’ first series, titled “Pierre,” co-written with John Donnelly and produced by The Lighthouse, is set to feature David Harewood in both the starring role and as an executive producer. According to Channel 4, this drama offers a gripping portrayal of a West London duty solicitor struggling to stay afloat physically, emotionally, and financially. The character is a charismatic and humorous dealmaker who is a skilled lawyer but whose pursuit of truth threatens to expose a chilling network of institutional corruption.

Maya, a new perspective on the thriller genre penned by writer and actress Daisy Haggard, who is also known for creating Back to Life, along with her frequent collaborators at Two Brothers Pictures, offers an intriguing perspective on what witness protection entails in the U.K., presenting it through a darkly comical lens. The narrative will delve into the extreme measures a mother might take to safeguard her daughter when the system proves inadequate.

Ultimately, “A Woman of Substance” is termed as a daring reinterpretation of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s novel which held the title of Channel 4’s largest-ever drama when initially produced around 40 years ago. Co-created by Katherine Jakeways, who was also the showrunner for “The Buccaneers”, and Roanne Bardsley, this eight-episode historical revenge saga follows the journey of a wronged maid who transforms her anger over time into becoming the wealthiest woman globally. As the ‘manosphere’ rises and concerning patterns emerge regarding social mobility, this new series seems as pertinent and thought-provoking as it is captivatingly enjoyable according to Channel 4.

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2025-02-12 03:26