Now we’ve recovered from that “emergency broadcast”, which introduced us to the threat of The Undeclared War (with a side-order of Prime Ministerial wish fulfilment), we’ve been able to find out a few more details about Channel 4’s upcoming thriller.
First up, we have a quote from series creator Peter Kosminsky on what the show is about:
“The Series is based deep within the least-known arm of the UK’s intelligence infrastructure, GCHQ. The story we’re now able to tell casts an extraordinary, revelatory light on the hot, undeclared war taking place right now in the world’s newest and most invisible domain of conflict — cyber.”
And here’s the synopsis:
In a thrilling cat and mouse game, Saara and the team at GCHQ must try to stay one step ahead and anticipate their opponents every hidden move. The clock is ticking as a battle with high stakes and unpredictable enemies takes place entirely online, with very real consequences. But how do you win a war most of the public don’t know you’re fighting?
The show takes place a little in the future, in a post-pandemic 2024. With the Conservatives still in power, the country is led by Britain’s first black prime minister. However, on the verge of a general election, GCHQ must fend off a cyber attacks aimed at the electoral system.
The Saara mentioned in the synopsis is played by Hannah Khalique-Brown. She’s a 21-year-old intern in GCHQ’s malware department who discovers a new threat during routing stress testing.
The Undeclared War
Be vigilant, be ready and, above all, remain calm… #TheUndeclaredWar coming soon to Channel 4 and All 4 pic.twitter.com/epPVgiyrVL
— Channel 4 (@Channel4) June 10, 2022
The cast
Adrian Lester plays the PM, the Rt Hon Andrew Makinde and Simon Pegg is Danny Patrick, GCHQ’s head of operations. Hannah Khalique-Brown is Saara Parvan, while Mark Rylance plays John Yeabsley, a former GCHQ asset who returns to assist his former colleagues.
In the wider cast, Alex Jennings stars as GCHQ Head David Neal. From the American perspective, Maisie Richardson-Sellers is Kathy Freeman, a cyber-analyst drafted in from the NSA to help with the crisis.
There’s more insight from Peter Kosminsky too:
“The Undeclared War has been many years in the making. It imagines how the next few years might play out in the domain of cyber warfare – a battle unseen by the public but with potentially devastating consequences. In my work, I’ve tried to shine a light on aspects of public policy which affect us all but where the details of what is taking place, often behind the scenes, are not well understood. I hope this drama will give audiences an insight into a world certain to impact our lives significantly in the years ahead.”
The Undeclared War is a Playground, Stonehenge Films and Universal International Studios co-production for Channel 4 and Peacock.
Peter Kosminsky directed all six episodes and has written four. Other writers include Declan Lawn, Adam Patterson, and Amelia Spencer. Kosminsky is also the Executive Producer, alongside Colin Callender and Noëlette Buckley for Playground. The show’s Producer is Robert Jones.
The Undeclared War begins on Channel 4 and All 4 on Thursday the 30th of June at 9pm. In the US, on Peacock, it premieres on August the 18th.