John Simms to star in ITV conspiracy thriller 'Strangers' set to release later this year
ITV has announced that it has commissioned conspiracy thriller 'Strangers,' which has been penned by screenwriting newcomers Mark Denton and Jonny Stockwood, for its network. The show will be produced by Two Brothers Pictures, the drama indie established by award-winning writers and producers Harry and Jack Williams, known for the likes of 'The Missing,' 'Fleabag,' and 'One of Us.'
'Strangers' revolves around Professor Jonah Mulray, who has his life turned upside down when his wife, Megan, is killed in a car crash in Hong Kong. And while she had lived and worked there for half a year, Mulray had never visited her because of how he's always lived a small, sheltered life and his fear for flying.
But his wife's death forces him to take steps he would not have dared before. He has to cross the ocean to Hong Kong to identify the body of the woman he loved but upon arrival, makes a shocking discovery about his wife and that she may not have been the person he perceived her to be.
An official description further elaborated, "Over the course of eight thrilling hours, Jonah is drawn deeper and deeper into a web of conspiracy as he comes to terms with this utterly alien and unfamiliar environment, battling to uncover the truth about his wife’s death."
'Strangers' stars John Simm, known for his roles as Sam Tyler on 'Life on Mars' and The Master on 'Doctor Who,' in the eponymous role of Jonah Mulray. He had most recently starred in American comedy-drama show, 'The Catch,' as Rhys Griffiths. Mulroy will be assisted in his quest by British consulate member Sally, played by Emilia Fox (Silent Witness, Delicious).
Joining them are the likes of Anthony Wong (Internal Affairs, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor), Tim McInnerny (Blackadder), Anthony Hayes (War Machine, Cargo), Raquel Cassidy (Downton Abbey, The Worst Witch), Katie Leung (The Harry Potter series, T2 Trainspotting), and Dervla Kirwan (Ballykissangel, Goodnight Sweetheart).
Both Denton and Stockwood expressed their delight at writing for the project. "We are thrilled to be working with Two Brothers and ITV on this exciting new drama - we hope it will keep audiences gripped," they said.
Harry and Jack expressed a similar sentiment. They commented, "We’re delighted to be bringing Mark and Jonny’s incredible debut series to life. Their writing is rich and intelligent and combines a narratively taut thriller with a characterful emotional journey that we hope will draw audiences in."
The eight-part series was filmed during the autumn of 2017 on location in Asia, with a stint of filming in London also said to be included. It will premiere later this year.
