Channel 4 greenlights series from Spielberg writer

Channel 4 has commissioned a ten-part nuclear crisis drama spanning North Korea, London and Washington from in-demand theatre writer UK writer Matt Charman (Our Zoo, Suite Francaise).

Opposite Number will follow a British nuclear scientist who is taken prisoner in North Korea triggering an international crisis which itself must be kept secret.

Realizing their man could be forced to help North Korea finally weaponize its nuclear technology, the British Prime Minister and the US President must work together and mobilize every level of their governments to pull the world back from the brink.

The series is produced by Mammoth Screen (Endeavour, Parade’s End) and marks the second commission to come out of Channel 4’s recently formed international drama division.

Executive producers are Matt Charman, and Rebecca Keane, Preethi Mavahalli and Damien Timmer for Mammoth Screen. The series has been commissioned for Channel 4 by Beth Willis and Simon Maxwell

Mammoth Screen and distribution partner ITV Studios Global Entertainment are now seeking to bring an international partner aboard the project.

UK writer Matt Charman recently caught Hollywood’s attention with his as yet Cold War thriller screenplay which is set to be directed by Steven Spielberg and star Tom Hanks.

Simon Maxwell, head of international drama at C4 said: “Opposite Number is a shining example of the ambition of Channel 4’s move into international drama.

“With this slate, we want to work with the brightest and boldest home-grown talents willing to step onto the world stage and tell stories of global relevance, with all the distinct qualities of a Channel 4 drama. We look forward to finding an international partner to share that vision.”