Kenneth Branagh to play UK PM Boris Johnson in upcoming series on Covid crisis

Kenneth Branagh will play the role of Boris Johnson in a new TV drama charting the UK prime minister's handling of coronavirus pandemic.

The drama will trace the impact COVID-19 crisis on the country, and the response of scientists, nurses, and doctors as they worked round the clock to try and contain the virus. It will be based on first-hand testimony from members of the government, the Department of Health, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), and hospitals and care homes across the country.

Titled This Sceptred Isle, the Sky original series will be directed and written by The Trip helmer Michael Winterbottom. Kieron Quirke is on board as co-writer. Fremantle, Richard Brown's Passenger and Winterbottom's Revolution Films are producing the project. 

Shooting for the series will start soon and the drama is expected to premiere on Sky Atlantic late next year.