This England: The Production Journey of the Boris Johnson Miniseries
The creation of This England, a dramatic miniseries focusing on the political tenure of Boris Johnson, was a complex process involving high-profile talent and several production shifts. From its initial announcement to its eventual premiere, the series aimed to capture a pivotal moment in British political history.
Development and Casting
The project was first announced in June 2020 under the working title This Sceptred Isle. The script was a collaborative effort co-written by Michael Winterbottom and Kieron Quirke. In January 2021, it was officially announced that acclaimed actor Kenneth Branagh would take on the lead role of Boris Johnson.
The production was a joint venture between Fremantle, Passenger, and Revolution Films. Executive production duties were handled by Richard Brown of Passenger and Melissa Parmenter of Revolution Films. To ensure political accuracy, Tim Shipman, the political editor of The Sunday Times, served as a consultant for the series.
As casting expanded in March 2021, Ophelia Lovibond and Simon Paisley Day joined the ensemble to portray Carrie Symonds and Dominic Cummings, respectively.
Directorial Changes and Production
Filming commenced in February 2021. While Michael Winterbottom was originally slated to direct all episodes, he stepped down in March 2021, reportedly due to health issues. Julian Jarrold was subsequently brought in to replace him as director.
The auditory atmosphere of the series was crafted by David Holmes, a Northern-Irish musician and composer who provided the original music.
Title Evolution and Premiere
In 2022, Sky announced a title change from This Sceptred Isle to This England. Interestingly, both titles are derived from the same passage in William Shakespeare's play Richard II.
The series was initially scheduled to premiere on September 21, 2022. However, on September 9, the date was moved to September 28, 2022, out of respect for the UK's period of mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Key Facts
- Lead Actor: Kenneth Branagh as Boris Johnson.
- Original Title: This Sceptred Isle.
- Production Companies: Fremantle, Passenger, and Revolution Films.
- Consultant: Tim Shipman (The Sunday Times).
- Composer: David Holmes.
- Literary Influence: Shakespeare's Richard II.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Writers | Michael Winterbottom and Kieron Quirke |
| Directors | Julian Jarrold (replacing Michael Winterbottom) |
| Key Cast | Kenneth Branagh, Ophelia Lovibond, Simon Paisley Day |
| Premiere Date | September 28, 2022 |
| Broadcaster | Sky |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the title of the series changed?
The title was changed from This Sceptred Isle to This England in 2022, though both phrases originate from the same passage in Shakespeare's Richard II.
Who played the lead role of Boris Johnson?
Kenneth Branagh was cast as Boris Johnson, with his involvement announced in January 2021.
Why was the premiere date delayed?
The premiere was pushed from September 21 to September 28, 2022, to respect the UK period of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II.
Who directed the miniseries?
While Michael Winterbottom was the original director, Julian Jarrold took over the role in March 2021 after Winterbottom stepped down due to health issues.
Who provided the political expertise for the show?
Tim Shipman, the political editor of The Sunday Times, acted as a consultant to ensure the production's accuracy.