(Photo: Sky Atlantic)
Ever since it was announced that Sir Kenneth Branagh had been cast as Boris Johnson in the upcoming miniseries This England, we've been wondering what his portrayal of the British Prime Minister might look like. Well, judging on the just-released first trailer, it's pretty much spot on.
In the trailer, Branagh captures Johnson's distinctive speaking voice and cadence while impressive makeup and prosthetics give him a resemblance to the PM we could never have imagined. Given that the five-part miniseries recounts the horrors of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, it's all quite close to the bone.
The series will also follow Johnson's own experience of being hospitalized with Coronavirus, and the birth of Wilfred Johnson, his son with partner Carrie Symonds (played by Ophelia Lovibond). You can watch the trailer on Twitter here.
The plot synopsis for This England from U.K. network Sky teases: "The drama takes us inside the halls of power, as Johnson (Branagh) grapples with Covid-19, Brexit, and a controversial personal and political life. The events in government are interwoven with stories from around the country, from the experts and scientists racing against time to understand the virus; the doctors, nurses and care-home workers on the frontline working tirelessly and heroically to contain and overcome it; and ordinary people whose lives were thrown into turmoil."
This England is co-written and directed by Michael Winterbottom (24 Hour Party People, The Trip). It's due to air in the U.K. later this year on Sky Atlantic and Now. There's no word yet on when and where it might be available stateside.
What you think of Sir Kenneth Branagh's portrayal of Boris Johnson in the first look trailer?