Sky TV has released the first trailer for its upcoming drama This England. Starring Academy Award winner Kenneth Branagh (Belfast, Death on the Nile) as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the series focuses on his first months in office as he grapples with the outbreak of COVID-19, Brexit fallout, and the controversies stemming from his own personal life. Written and directed by Michael Winterbottom (The Trip), the drama was formerly entitled This Sceptred Isle in reference to Shakespeare’s famous description in Richard II.

Announced back in 2020, This England also stars Ophelia Lovibond as Carrie Symonds, Andrew Buchan as Health Secretary Matt Hancock, and Simon Paisley Day as Dominic Cummings. Production on the five-episode series was briefly interrupted in March 2021 when health issues forced Winterbottom to step aside as director in favor of Julian Jarrold (The Crown). The show was picked up by Sky in January and produced in conjunction with Passenger, Fremantle, and Revolution Films.

Related: Every Kenneth Branagh Movie Ranked From Worst To Best

Now in a new trailer released by Sky TV, Branagh looks almost unrecognizable as Johnson. Opening to the sound of his optimistic start to office, Johnson declares: “2020 will be a year of prosperity!” However, things quickly begin to spiral downwards as he flippantly remarks that they should “keep an eye” on the newly reported COVID virus. Focusing on 10 Downing Street and the press room as Johnson gives increasingly severe health warnings, a reporter ominously intones that “the United Kingdom has overtaken Italy to report the highest official death toll.” Check out the trailer below:

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Based on first-hand testimonials from inside the government, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, and the Health Department, This England aims to provide an honest look behind the curtain at events that affected the entire country. A number of images were also recently released which re-created familiar snaps of Johnson from the UK press, including one arm-in-arm with Lovibond as Carrie Symonds. A first look at Buchan’s depiction of the former Health Secretary was also unveiled, with a concerned shot of him seated in the No. 10 briefing room.

While a release date for the new series has yet to be announced, the preview comes as Sky unveils its plans to launch 200 new titles in 2022. Trying to remain competitive against the likes of Disney, Netflix, and Apple, Sky must be hoping that harnessing star power like Branagh's will garner strong support for its upcoming content. Though the future of Sky’s other dramas may remain indeterminable until release, Branagh’s contribution to This England certainly does bode well for the show’s reception both in terms of viewership and critical acclaim, as the actor boasts a strong fan base and award-winning record both in front of and behind the camera.

More: Belfast: Why Kenneth Branagh's Film Changes From Black & White To Color

Source: Sky TV