It was a no-brainer for This England director Michael Winterbottom to cast Sir Kenneth Branagh as hapless outgoing prime minister Boris Johnson in the upcoming pandemic drama.
The limited series will follow Mr Johnson’s first months as the Prime Minister, delving into the start of the pandemic when the world was put on hold by the mysterious virus.
In addition to the pandemic, it will also shine a spotlight on his personal life, the complexities and aftermath of Brexit, and all of the drama that members of the public expect to take place behind closed doors in Parliament. Speaking about This England, the 61-year-old filmmaker revealed the Dunkirk star had agreed to star in the series after reading the first draft of the script, which he co-wrote with Kieron Quirke.: ‘Ken said yes. But he only had eight weeks, in March and April, so I was like, “OK, that sounds just about possible.”‘Who else would play Boris Johnson? I hope Boris is flattered that we picked Kenneth Branagh to play him. Ken’s done a great job but, to be honest, it’s not a character piece.
The 24 Hour Party People filmmaker said the drama focuses more on unfurling public events, rather than zoning in on the central characters’ personal lives.‘You don’t see anyone’s back story, you don’t see who they are, their families, you just see what they’re doing in relation to the pandemic,’ Michael explained.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Meghan and Harry may face 'Queen's wrath' during UK visit, says royal expertRoyal expert Duncan Larcombe has spoken about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s pending trip to England, and accused The Duke and Duchess of Sussex of “calculated provocation”
Read more »
Chelsea are interested in signing Manchester United captain Harry Maguire in swap dealA swap deal between the Premier League giants is on the cards 😮 This would be the SHOCK transfer of the summer! 🤯
Read more »
Care leaver on how trauma is leading to addiction and mental health crisis'There is not one person who I know from my time in care that is not still dealing with the impact of what happened to us when we were there.'
Read more »
T&S Rabbits farm closure to see about 250 rabbits given to activistsComedian Ricky Gervais is among those to have spoken out against T&S Rabbits.
Read more »
Meet the Moonlight on Solé Bicycles x Jack Johnson special edition Dutch Step-ThroughSolé Bicycles tapped singer Jack Johnson for its latest bike collab — a delightful Dutch Step-Through using art from his latest album.
Read more »
Made in Chelsea: when does it return?Made in Chelsea is returning VERY soon and there's four new cast members on the show. Read more on heatworld.
Read more »