Idris Elba and John Ridley are teaming up for a U.K.-based 1970s civil rights drama — and while it might not sound like one at first blush, “Guerrilla” is being billed as a love story.
“Guerrilla” is about a politically active couple whose relationship and values are tested when they liberate a political prisoner and form a radical underground cell in 1970s London, per host networks Showtime and Sky Atlantic. Their ultimate target becomes the Black Power Desk, a true-life, secretive counter-intelligence unit within Special Branch, dedicated to crushing all forms of black activism.
While the series is set against a background of social and political activism, at its heart “Guerrilla” is about a relationship under pressure, and the reality that for any couple there comes a point when the choices they make have real and lasting consequences, the official description continued.
Elba (“Luther”) will co-star in the project, while Ridley (“12 Years a Slave”) will write most of the episodes and direct the first two.
Along with that dynamic duo, executive producers include Patrick Spence and Katie Swinden for Fifty Fathoms, Tracy Underwood for ABC Signature and Michael McDonald for Stearns Castle.
The six-part one-hour limited series is set to begin production in London late this summer.
“We’re excited to partner with our friends at Sky to bring a fascinating and unexplored story spearheaded by John and Idris, two major creative talents at the top of their game,” said David Nevins, president and chief executive officer, Showtime Networks Inc. “‘Guerrilla’ will surely keep our audience at their edge of their seats.”
“It’s been a long time desire of mine to collaborate with Mr. Ridley and his work here is nothing short of a masterclass in character building and story-telling. TV is in for a treat,” Elba added.
“I am both humbled by and impressed with Idris’s passion toward bringing this story to life,” said Ridley. “I share his commitment for populating the culture with driven and complicated people of color, and believe we have great partners on the producorial level, and with our broadcasters Sky Atlantic and Showtime.”