TV & Movies
Kenneth Branagh Looks *Exactly* Like Boris Johnson In The First This England Trailer
And we finally have a release date, too.
With unruly blond hair and a familiar stern "address-the-nation" expression, BAFTA-winning actor Kenneth Branagh (Tenet, Death On The Nile) looks entirely convincing as the soon-to-be former Prime Minister Boris Johnson for the upcoming political drama, This England (formerly titled This Sceptred Isle). The Sky Atlantic series is set to look at the devastating first wave of the coronavirus pandemic and will detail how the UK government attempted to tackle the virus spread. Already appearing quite controversial and evoking Marmite-like reactions, here’s everything to know about This England so far.
This England Plot
Looking back at Johnson’s early leadership, party turmoil, and scandal (unlikely that the series will cover Partygate and Johnson’s subsequent resignation, as those events are too recent), Sky’s synopsis reads: “The drama takes us inside the halls of power, as Johnson (Branagh) grapples with Covid-19, Brexit, and a controversial personal and political life.”
The five-part series is expected to share "first-hand testimony" from a variety of people who were crucial in the country's response. This includes individuals from Number 10 Downing Street, the Department of Health, and The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) as well as courageous frontline workers from "all walks of life."
This England Cast
Alongside Branagh, Ophelia Lovibond (Minx, Guardians Of The Galaxy) will star as ‘First Lady’ Carrie Johnson, while the former Health Secretary Matt Hancock will be played by Andrew Buchan (All The Money In The World, Broadchurch). Elsewhere, Johnson’s former Chief Advisor, Dominic Cummings, will be played by Simon Paisley Day, and the former Chancellor Rishi Sunak — who is currently in the running to become the next Prime Minister — is portrayed by Shri Patel.
This England is written by Michael Winterbottom and Kieron Quirke, while Tim Shipman, political editor of The Sunday Times, serves as a consultant on the series.
Following the series announcement in January 2021, Winterbottom explained that the series will chronicle the efforts "of scientists, doctors, care home workers and policy makers to protect us from the virus”.
He added: "The first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic will be remembered forever. A time when the country came together to battle an invisible enemy.
"A time when people were more aware than ever of the importance of community. Our series weaves together countless true stories – from Boris Johnson in Number 10 to front line workers around the country – chronicling the efforts of scientists, doctors, care home workers and policy makers to protect us from the virus."
This England Trailer
Sky dropped the first-look This England teaser back in May, giving viewers a first peek at the political drama.
On August 18, Sky released the show’s first full trailer. “This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle, this earth of majesty, this other Eden, demi-paradise,” Branagh narrates in the extended teaser, which depicts some dramatic moments from Johnson’s early premiership.
This England Release Date
This England will launch on Sky Atlantic and Now on Sept. 21.
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