Keeley Hawes (The Assassin, Bodyguard) has joined Izuka Hoyle (Boiling Point, Big Boys) in the second series of Sky Original action thriller ‘Prisoner‘, with production now underway on another six episodes of the high-stakes drama.
The series, created by Oscar and BAFTA-nominated screenwriter Matt Charman (Bridge of Spies, Hostage), was renewed earlier this year after becoming one of the year’s most-watched Sky Original dramas. And following Amber Todd’s rather traumatic first outing, it seems the prison transport officer won’t be getting an easier ride this time around. Quite the opposite, in fact.
The first series saw Amber forced to go on the run with contract killer Tibor Stone, played by Tahar Rahim (The Serpent), after their prison transport convoy was ambushed. This time, Hoyle’s character is still struggling with the fallout and trying to repair her fractured family life when she’s drawn into the extradition of Dr. Regan Weaver, played by Hawes. A brilliant psychologist and notorious prisoner, Regan has spent decades guarding some very dangerous secrets.
When Amber is framed for murder, she finds herself on the run with Regan, forging an unlikely bond with the very woman she was supposed to be transporting. With criminals, governments and rogue police all hunting them, the pair quickly discover just how many people are desperate to get their hands on Weaver, and how far they’re prepared to go to do it.
It’s a setup that echoes the first series’ uneasy partnership while introducing a very different kind of prisoner. This time, rather than simply surviving the chase, Amber may also have to work out whether she can trust someone who has made a career out of understanding how people think. Which, considering how her last prisoner transport job went, might be a tall order…
Alongside Hawes, the newcomers include Solly McLeod (Star City, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms), David Dawson (My Policeman, Elsinore) and Elijah Cook (The Diplomat, Silo). Details of their characters are being kept under wraps for now.
They’re joining a returning ensemble including Catherine McCormack (Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, 28 Weeks Later), Leonie Benesch (September 5, Late Shift), Finn Bennett (Black Doves, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms), Ken Nwosu (Black Doves, Sticks and Stones), Daniel Betts (MobLand, The Crown), Jessica Barker-Wren (Odie – North Face) and Michele Austin (Hard Truths, This Is Going to Hurt).
Speaking about the casting, Charman said:
“Amber went to hell and back in season one, taking the audience with her every step of the way. But to raise the stakes in season two, we needed a prisoner who would push her further than ever. Having Keeley join us is a dream come true. She’s one of our finest actresses, and she is mesmerising as Dr. Regan Weaver. And absolutely terrifying too.”
Meghan Lyvers, Managing Director, Scripted Originals at Sky, added:
“Matt and Sophie have created a gripping new chapter of Prisoner that takes the series in an even more ambitious direction and raises the stakes for Amber. Alongside our hugely talented creative team, we’re delighted to welcome the brilliant Keeley Hawes, Solly McLeod and David Dawson to the cast, joining the fantastic Izuka Hoyle and our returning ensemble. Sky’s audience was highly engaged with the first season, so we can’t wait for them to see what’s in store.”
Behind the scenes, Charman returns as showrunner and writer, joined by Sophie Petzal (Blood, Hollington Drive, The Last Kingdom) as deputy showrunner and co-writer. Anthony Philipson (The Day of the Jackal, The Capture) directs, with later episodes handled by Kasia Adamik (Star City, Kabul). The drama is produced by Binocular in association with Sky Studios, with production supported by Creative Wales.
Series 2 of ‘Prisoner‘ will air on Sky in the UK and Ireland. A premiere date has not yet been announced.
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