Sky Denies Hugh Bonneville Pilot ‘Forty Acres’ Is About Slavery Amid Backlash From Black Creatives
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EXCLUSIVE: Sky Studios has denied that it is piloting a Hugh Bonneville comedy about slavery amid a backlash from Black creatives on social media.
The Comcast-owned European studio said Forty Acres depicts Bonneville’s character reflecting on the genesis of his “generational wealth” and is “categorically not a comedy about slavery.”
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The working title is, however, a play on a failed Civil War reparations program known as “40 acres and a mule.” Forty acres happens to be the size of the estate owned by Bonneville’s character.
Sky has not formally announced the project, but it was reported on by the British Comedy Guide. The publication initially said the pilot, penned by Wonka and Hijack star Rufus Jones, was about “historic slavery.” The story has since been updated to say Forty Acres is about “Britain’s murky colonial legacy.”
British Comedy Guide‘s original piece sparked criticism on Twitter (now X). London Hughes, the comedian behind Netflix special To Catch a D*ck, said it was “a slap in the face to Black British creatives.”
She added: “I urge you all to take a look at what’s being made, the type of subject matter, the conversations, the context and characters around Black and Brown people on British television… A slavery comedy, told through the eyes of a white man, wouldn’t even be a discussion in America.”
George Mpanga, better known by his stage name George the Poet, also raised questions about the project. “Is there really a slavery comedy being made in Britain? Told through the eyes of a white man?” he asked.
Deadline understands that Sky Studios has been in touch with some individuals who have voiced concern in an attempt to reassure them about the nature of Forty Acres.
A Sky Studios spokesperson said: “Sky Studios does have a development project with Rufus Jones and Bonnie Productions, it is categorically not a comedy about slavery. The setting is modern day and the premise is the story of a man who must reflect on where his generational wealth has come from.
“While Rufus Jones is the creator, the project is being developed by a diverse team of creatives including Black writers. Sky is committed to our original programming slate being diverse and inclusive, on and off camera.”
Forty Acres will co-star US rapper GaTa, real name Davionte Ganter, and Stay Close actress Sarah Parish. The comedy is produced by Bonnie Productions, the production outfit established by former BBC Films and Baby Cow boss Christine Langan in 2020. Sky does not intend to broadcast the pilot, but it could form the basis of a series.
British Comedy Guide has been contacted for comment.
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