Emma Thompson joins cast of Russell T. Davies’ dystopian family series Years and Years

Emma Thompson is set to star in the upcoming dystopian drama Years & Years, and HBO will air the series.

Thompson, known for her roles in the Harry Potter series and Sense and Sensibility, will play the lead character Vivienne Rook in the topical show.

Rook is a seemingly Trumpesque celebrity turned politician who stirs up controversy and conflict with her provocative opinions.

As much an entertainer as a political figure, Rook is a new kind of public servant whose rise through the government ranks creates uncertainty for the United Kingdom.

Set in Manchester, the drama focuses on a family. After one critical night in 2019, the drama will make good on its title, moving Years & Years into the future.

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It will explore the lives of the family over the following 15 years as geopolitical events roil the world including, Britain’s exit from the European Union, China’s rise to power, and America isolating itself. In the process, the world evolves into something new triggering Rook’s political rise.

Thompson will star opposite Rory Kinnear (Skyfall) as Stephen Lyons, the family’s peacekeeper, T’Nia Miller (Witless), as Stephen’s wife Celeste, an opinionated accountant, Russell Tovey (Quantico) as Stephen’s brother Daniel, a housing officer, and Jessica Hynes (Bridget Jones’s Baby) as Stephen’s sister, Edith, a dangerous woman with a secret.

BBC One originally bought the 6-episode series from Doctor Who and Torchwood executive producer Davies. Red Production Company will produce the series. Filming is planned for later this year.

Of the accomplished cast, Davies said,

"This is a dream cast, put together by Andy Pryor, the man who found Jodie Whittaker to be Doctor Who. I’m very lucky, and very excited to start filming."

Of HBO’s involvement, President of Programming Casey Bloys commented,

"HBO is thrilled to once again partner with the BBC and to be joining Red Production Company in showcasing the stellar work of Russell T Davies and Emma Thompson with this sweeping family saga which captures the spirit of our time.”"

While perhaps best known for bringing the revival of Doctor Who to the screen, Davies is a prolific TV writer and producer. Years & Years sounds like it could be a fascinating look at where the turmoil currently roiling the world could lead.

Thompson will make a strong star to build the show around. A versatile and talented actress, the role of Years & Years‘ Rook sounds like one she will really be able to sink her teeth into.

Are you excited to watch Emma Thompson in Years & Years when it hits HBO? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Source: Deadline