Colin Firth to Star in ‘Lockerbie’ Series About 1988 Flight Disaster From Sky and Peacock

Colin Firth will lead the upcoming Sky and Peacock original series “Lockerbie,” about the 1988 flight disaster in which 259 passengers and crew members were killed.

On Dec. 21, 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland 38 minutes after take-off. In addition to the 259 casualties on board the flight, a further 11 residents died as the plane came down over the quiet town. The Oscar-winning actor will portray Dr. Jim Swire, who tragically lost his daughter Flora in the event and has worked with his wife, Jane, to seek justice for the victims’ families ever since.

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“In the wake of the disaster and his daughter Flora’s death, Dr. Jim Swire (Firth), is nominated spokesperson for the U.K. victims’ families, who have united to demand truth and justice,” the show’s official description states. “Traveling across continents and political divides, Jim embarks on a relentless journey that not only jeopardizes his stability, family and life, but completely overturns his trust in the justice system. As the truth shifts under Jim’s feet, his view of the world is left forever sullied. Exploring events from the disaster and its aftermath, Lockerbie provides an intimate account of a man, a husband, and a father who risks everything in memory of his daughter and the unflinching pursuit of truth and justice.”

Based on Swire and Peter Biddulph’s book “The Lockerbie Bombing: A Father’s Search for Justice,” the five-part limited series is a co-production between “Downton Abbey” producers Carnival Films, which is part of Universal International Studios, and Sky Studios. Scottish playwright David Harrower (“Blackbird,” “Knives in Hens”) will serve as lead writer, while Maryam Hamidi (“Vigil”) is a guest writer on an episode. “Peaky Blinders” helmer Otto Bathurst is on board as lead director, and Jim Loach (“Save Me”) will also direct an episode.

Production on “Lockerbie” will begin early this year. Executive producers include Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant for Carnival Films, Sam Hoyle for Sky Studios and David Harrower, Liz Trubridge, Jim Sheridan, Kirsten Sheridan and Oskar Slingerland. Hamidi is an associate producer and Brian Kaczynski is a producer.

“Lockerbie” will be available to watch on Sky and streaming service NOW in the U.K., Ireland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, and on Peacock in the U.S. NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution is handling international sales.

Firth is represented by Independent Talent (U.K.), CAA (U.S.) and Prosper PR. Universal International Studios is a division of Universal Studio Group.

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