Gugu Mbatha-Raw Stars in Exciting New BBC Sci-Fi Series on Space Travel
Gugu Mbatha-Raw, known for her role in Loki, will headline a new BBC sci-fi drama centered around space travel, titled Sutherland.
Joining her in the cast are Stuart Martin (Army of Thieves, In Flight, Rebel Moon) and Iain De Caestecker (Roadkill, The Winter King, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D). Set in a near-future northern Scotland, the series focuses on Mirren, played by Mbatha-Raw, who serves as the flight director at Paravel Space Hub for the UK’s inaugural crewed mission to the stars. However, just hours after launch, unforeseen events thrust Sutherland into a web of mystery, jeopardizing Mirren’s efforts.
The project arrives at a relevant moment, following the recent Artemis II rocket’s return from the moon. Additionally, Apple TV is preparing to debut its own Soviet space drama, Star City.
Produced by World Productions, known for Line of Duty, Sutherland is crafted by James Smythe, who also penned All Her Fault. Prior to this, Mbatha-Raw appeared in The Girl Before, a BBC drama adapted from the novel by JP Delaney, co-produced with HBO.
The series is produced in collaboration with ITV Studios, which will handle international distribution. It has been commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, and Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland. The writing team includes Smythe, Laura Grace, Tom Mair, and Helen Kingston, while Chloë Wicks and Patrick Harkins will direct. Clare Kerr serves as producer, and the executive production team includes Jake Lushington, Simon Heath, George Aza-Selinger for World Productions Scotland, Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland, and Smythe. The project is supported by Screen Scotland.
Filming for Sutherland is scheduled to commence in Scotland later this year, with additional casting details forthcoming.
