You don’t seem to be able to turn around without reading that Sherlock and Doctor Strange actor Benedict Cumberbatch has signed up for one part or another. Today is no different as the British actor has signed up for the Channel 4 drama, about Brexit and the Vote Leave campaign.
Brexit, which is currently the production’s working title, is an utterly timely and compelling new political thriller from Olivier and RTS-winning screenwriter James Graham (Quiz, Ink, This House, The Vote, Tory Boyz, Coalition). Unpacking the anatomy of the historic, high-stakes campaign to win the hearts and minds of the British people, this one-off drama set primarily during the referendum will, for the first time, explore the myriad tactics employed to swing one of the most surprising referendum results in living memory. Brexit will explore the anatomy of a modern data-driven election campaign, and the divisive figures driving it from the shadows.
Brexit sets out not to be an analysis of who was right and who was wrong, but rather is the story of how it happened, and why.
The one-off drama will be directed by the award-winning Toby Haynes (Black Mirror, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Sherlock), and will star Cumberbatch as Dominic Cummings, the leading strategist and Campaign Director of Vote Leave.
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The film’s writer, James Graham said
“I‘m so excited – not to mention a little nervous – to have this chance to try and get under the skin of what happened during that historic vote. I hope by going behind-the-scenes of the campaign, we’re able to interrogate the consequences of what happened during these 8 weeks that have changed the country forever. To work with this incredible team and Channel4 to bring this story to life on screen is a real honour.”
Brexit is commissioned for Channel 4 by Beth Willis, Head of Drama. The film is written by award-winning playwright James Graham. Executive Producers are Juliette Howell and Tessa Ross for their company House Productions. The film will be produced by Lynn Horsford
Production is due to start later this year.
