Sir Kenneth Branagh has responded to critics who emphasised that his upcoming Boris Johnson drama is ‘too soon.’
The series This England, which was previously titled This Sceptred Isle, will follow the first few months of Johnson’s tenure as Prime Minister, leading up to the beginning of the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.
The six-parter will also delve into the Tory leader’s own bout with Covid, after he was taken to intensive care in 2020 in the early days of the pandemic.
However, the series has been met with a frosty reaction after critics questioned the show’s plot, considering the pandemic is still happening.
In response, the Harry Potter actor – who stars as the former Prime Minister – defended his project and hopes the events told on-screen will allow viewers to gain a deeper understanding.
‘There will be those who say it’s too soon,’ the 61-year-old said.
‘I think these events are unusual and part of what we must do is acknowledge them.’
‘It might allow people to process a little of what went on. Any way of understanding it better is important,’ he added to The Times.
This England was scheduled to launch on September 21, but will instead air a week later on September 28.
Sky confirmed the show will be delayed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II ‘until after the official period of mourning’.
Joining Branagh on This England will be Ophelia Lovebond as the politician’s wife Carrie Johnson and Andrew Buchan as former health secretary Matt Hancock.
Co-written and directed by Michael Winterbottom, This England will transport viewers back to the first wave of the pandemic.
In addition to the pandemic, it will also shine a spotlight on his personal life, the complexities and aftermath of Brexit and all of the drama that members of the public expect takes place behind closed doors in Parliament.
Speaking about This England, filmmaker Michael revealed the Dunkirk star had agreed to star in the series after reading the first draft of the script, which he co-wrote with Kieron Quirke.
He told Deadline: ‘Ken said yes. But he only had eight weeks, in March and April, so I was like, “OK, that sounds just about possible.”
‘Who else would play Boris Johnson? I hope Boris is flattered that we picked Kenneth Branagh to play him. Ken’s done a great job but, to be honest, it’s not a character piece.’
This England airs on Sky on September 28.
