The show examines the 1988 Lockerbie disaster and the subsequent search for justice. 

Sky have announced the casting of Colin Firth (Operation Mincemeat) in their upcoming five-part dramatization of the Lockerbie disaster.

The series draws on the book The Lockerbie Bombing: A Father’s Search for Justice by Jim Swire and Peter Biddulph. It tells the story of Swire and his wife Jane, who lost their daughter Flora in the bombing, and their dogged pursuit of justice.

Here’s the synopsis for Lockerbie:

On 21st December 1988, 259 passengers and crew were killed when Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie 38 minutes after take-off, with a further 11 residents losing their life as the plane came down over the quiet, Scottish town.

In the wake of the disaster and his daughter Flora’s death, Dr Jim Swire (Firth), is nominated spokesperson for the UK victims’ families, who have united to demand truth and justice. Travelling across continents and political divides, Jim embarks on a relentless journey that not only jeopardises his stability, family and life, but completely overturns his trust in the justice system. As the truth shifts under Jim’s feet, his view of the world is left forever sullied.

Exploring events from the disaster and its aftermath, Lockerbie provides an intimate account of a man, a husband, and a father who risks everything in memory of his daughter and the unflinching pursuit of truth and justice.

The series is a co-production between Carnival Films (part of Universal International Studios) and Sky Studios. Scottish playwright David Harrower (Blackbird) is the show’s lead writer, with Maryam Hamidi (Vigil) also writing one episode. Otto Bathurst (Peaky Blinders) is the lead director, with Jim Loach (Save Me) also directing.

The executive producers are Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant (Carnival Films), and Sam Hoyle (Sky Studios). Plus, David Harrower, Liz Trubridge, Jim Sheridan, Kirsten Sheridan and Oskar Slingerland. Brian Kaczynski produces, with Maryam Hamidi taking an associate producer credit.

Lockerbie goes into production in early 2024. It will air on Sky and stream on NOW in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. In the US, it will air on Peacock.

We’ll keep you posted on Lockerbie.