BBC Orders Adaptation Of ‘SAS: Rogue Heroes’ From ‘Peaky Blinder’s Steven Knight
BBC One has commissioned a major new drama series from acclaimed screenwriter Steven Knight (‘Peaky Blinders’, ‘Taboo’), based on Ben Macintyre’s best-selling book ‘SAS: Rogue Heroes’ which tells the incredible story of how the world-renowned Special Forces unit came to exist.
Knight will bring to the screen Macintyre’s extraordinary book, written with unique and privileged access to the secret SAS archives, and bring to life this definitive account of SAS history. It will tell the story behind the revolutionary thinking which led to the creation of a new form of combat and warfare in the deserts of North Africa. Celebrating the glory, action and camaraderie at the heart of this story, the series will delve into the psychology of the flawed, reckless but astonishingly brave group of maverick officers and men who formed the SAS in the darkest days of World War Two.
“This will be a secret history telling the story of exceptional soldiers who decided battles and won wars only to then disappear back into the shadows,” comments writer Steven Knight. “We will shine a light on remarkable true events informed by the people who shaped them.”
The drama will be produced by Kudos (part of Endemol Shine UK) who have a history of top-quality drama, with credits such’s ITV’s ‘Broadchurch’ & ‘Grantchester’, with ‘Humans’ & ‘Utopia’ for Channel 4, and ‘Tin Star’ & ‘The Tunnel’ for Sky Atlantic. The series will be distributed globally by Endemol Shine International.
“The fact that this project has moved so swiftly from development to commission is testament to the power of this story and Steven’s unique ability to draw the extraordinary, complex men at its heart,” adds Karen Wilson, joint Managing Director for Kudos. “Imagine them being drawn with the same colour, character and compassion as the iconic characters which feature across Steven’s work and you get a sense of the huge potential of this project.”
SAS: Rogue Heroes (6×60’) was commissioned by Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama and Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content. It will be executive produced by Karen Wilson, Martin Haines and Emma Kingsman-Lloyd for Kudos and Tommy Bulfin for BBC One.
“It is an honour to be working once again with the great Steve Knight,” said Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama. “SAS: Rogue Heroes will lift the lid on the origins of one of Britain’s most iconic institutions and explore the characters, courage and flaws of the men involved with all of the honesty and swagger we have come to expect from Steve.”
There is no premiere date yet for ‘SAS: Rogue Heroes‘ Season 1, and casting will be announced in due course, but we’ll let you know when we hear more.
