Latest news with #MattCharman
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hostage on Netflix: who's in the cast, from Suranne Jones to Lucian Msamati
Politics, tense situations and somewhat-inept UK politicians: that's right, a new Netflix thriller is upon us, and it's set to be our summer watch. Called Hostage, it stars Suranne Jones as the Prime Minister of the UK (a woman, hooray!) who finds her life turned upside-down when her husband is kidnapped and held to ransom during a meeting with the French President. The series was written by Matt Charman, aka the brains behind Oscar-winning film Bridge of Spies, so we know it's going to be good. But who's set to star? Let's unpack. Abigail Dalton, played by Suranne Jones The Prime Minister of the UK. Charman calls her 'an embattled British PM in the middle of a fight for her country and her family — she's fierce, ruthless, and you can't take your eyes off of her.' Jones, who plays her, is a veteran of UK TV. Born in Manchester in 1978, she got her start playing Karen McDonald on Coronation Street until 2004. Since then, she's gone onto appear in shows like Unforgiven (2009), Doctor Foster, which catapulted her to national prominence, and Vigil. She also played the lead role in Gentleman Jack, the BBC historical drama about the life of Ann Lister. Vivienne Toussaint, played by Julie Delpy The French President – also, pleasingly, a woman. She's more of a pragmatist than Abigail, but she finds herself being blackmailed as the series goes on, too. She has a choice to make: does she go to the far-right, and embrace the anti-immigrant narrative, or does she stick to her principles? 'She starts off as someone who isn't flirting with the extreme right, and she slowly starts to go there – which is something you see happening a little bit to everyone in the centre; they're not necessarily ideologically far right, but they're feeling they have to flirt with it, to comply with the perceived demands of the electorate,' Delpy told the Guardian about the role. Delpy herself is a French-American actor, who was born in Paris to actor parents. At the age of 14, she was 'discovered' by director Jean-Luc Godard, who launched her film career. She was nominated for her first Cesar Award two years later, and gained international attention for her role in the 1990 film Europa Europa. Since then, she's gone onto direct, write and act in more than 30 films, including 1997's An American Werewolf in Paris and 1991's Voyager. Matheo Lewis, played by Corey Mylchreest A shady character with ominous motives. Mylchreest, who plays him, is best known for playing the role of King George III in the Bridgerton spinoff series Queen Charlotte. Born in London in 1998, he studied at RADA and appeared in the premiere episode of Netflix's The Sandman. Most recently, he played one of the starring roles in the Netflix film My Oxford Year. Kofi Adomako, played by Lucian Msamati A member of Abigail's government, who is left floundering after the kidnapping. Msamati himself is an English-Tanzanian actor. Born in London to Tanzanian parents and raised in Zimbabwe, he started his career as a voice-over artist and after-dinner speaker before founding a theatre company, Over the Edge, in Harare. Since then, he's gone onto have multiple stage and screen roles. He was the first black actor to play Iago at the Royal Shakespeare Company, in a 2015 production of Othello; on TV, he's appeared in Spooks, Game of Thrones, Doctor Who and Ltuher, among others. Most recently, he's appeared as Ed Dumani in Sky Atlantic's gangster series Gangs of London. Dr Alex Anderson, played by Ashley Thomas The husband of Abigail. In an interview with the Guardian, Jones describes their marriage as 'happy, it's assured, they're supportive of each other.' Thomas is a British actor and rapper. Born in Hammersmith, he was involved in the early grime scene under the name Bashy, and featured in the 2010 Gorillaz song White Flag along with Kano. In 2013, he stepped away from music to focus on acting; currently, he's appearing on Channel 4 show In Flight. Max, played by James Cosmo We don't yet know too much about Max, but Cosmo, who plays him, is a Scottish actor. Born in 1947 in Dunbarton, he's appeared in many iconic films - including 1995's Braveheart, Trainspotting and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. On TV, he played Jeor Mormont in Game of Thrones, and Farder Coram in the BBC adaptation of His Dark Materials. In 2017, he even went into the Big Brother house, and finished fourth. Adrienne Pelletier, played by Jehnny Beth Similarly, we don't know much about the character of Adrienne, though judging by her name, she's part of the French delegation. Beth, who plays her, is a French actor and musician. Born in 1984 in Poitiers, she shot to fame as half of the indie rock band John & Jehn, and as the lead singer of post-punk band Savages. She's collaborated with artists including Noel Gallagher, Gorillaz and Bobby Gillespie, and in recent years, has also pivoted to acting. Hostage is streaming on Netflix from August 21
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Netflix's new political thriller series looks more intense than I expected — here's the first trailer
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Netflix has just dropped the first trailer for 'Hostage,' its upcoming political thriller series landing on August 21, and it adds new weight to what was already shaping up to be an intriguing watch. A few weeks back, I wrote about the first-look images and said it looks like a compelling binge watch, and now, with the trailer in hand, that impression only deepens. Created by Matt Charman (the mind behind 'Bridge of Spies' and 'Treason'), the limited series stars Suranne Jones and Julie Delpy as two world leaders caught in the middle of a high-stakes crisis during a global summit. One moment, they're preparing for diplomacy; the next, they're forced into a deadly game of control and survival. It's tense stuff. The trailer opens with a personal crisis at the heart of a political storm: the British Prime Minister's husband has been kidnapped, and things escalate quickly from there. Suranne Jones (who also executive produces) plays PM Abigail Dalton, shown grappling with the weight of national duty while her personal life unravels. We see flashes of mounting pressure, coded threats and tense stand-offs as a visiting French President becomes the target of a separate blackmail plot. The two leaders are thrust into a serious rivalry, each forced to make impossible decisions. Whether the two women can trust each other or whether they're being played against one another remains the central question. By the end of this short teaser, Jones's character delivers a steely statement of intent: 'They have weaponized my family. I will not be threatened. I will not negotiate. My loyalties are to this country, I will not allow it to be held to ransom.' Safe to say, she's not here to play games. Rather than going for explosive action, 'Hostage' appears to favor slow-burning psychological tension. If you're into character-driven thrillers that take their time, 'Hostage' might just be one to watch when it premieres in August. What to expect from 'Hostage' on Netflix While the trailer sets the mood with its clipped dialogue and cold tension, 'Hostage' looks set to dig even deeper into the emotional and political fallout of a crisis at the highest level. Netflix said to expect a 'political thriller with a captivating performance from Jones at its center.' Jones told Netflix: 'I'm thrilled to be on Netflix, in something I'm really proud of. It's been something I've wanted to do for a long time. We'd talked about projects previously, but for me, it was about finding the right thing. 'Hostage' was perfect — me and Matt together, backed up by this brilliant, supportive team. I loved it.' Charman also said, 'I've been dying to find the right story to tell with Suranne and I honestly believe what she's done with this character is going to blow the Netflix audience away. An embattled British PM in the middle of a fight for her country and her family — she's fierce, ruthless, and you can't take your eyes off of her.' Behind the scenes, the creative team brings a sterling pedigree. Backed by Charman's writing and the directorial vision of Isabelle Sieb and Amy Neil, 'Hostage' is likely to channel the same high-gloss tension seen in 'Treason' and 'Vigil.' The supporting cast is strong too, with actors like Corey Mylchreest and Lucian Msamati expected to add some juicy drama. Filmed across the U.K. and France, the series already feels stylistically self-assured. With only five episodes, this definitely feels like a thriller most viewers will eat up once it lands (including me). Political thrillers usually aren't my first choice, but 'Hostage' has definitely caught my attention. A big part of that is the cast, but also how the story doesn't focus on being explosive or full of unnecessary action. Now, having seen the first trailer, I'm even more hyped. I'm also confident this thriller will deliver because Suranne Jones is at the center of it. With her proven track record in gripping dramas like 'Doctor Foster' and 'Gentlemen Jack,' she brings enough intensity to elevate any story. Having her both star and executive produce gives me faith that this series has been crafted with care. Reminder: you can stream all five episodes of 'Hostage' on Netflix starting August 21, 2025. In the meantime, see what's new on Netflix this week. More from Tom's Guide Netflix just added a wild buddy-cop action-comedy movie Netflix drops new trailer for an action-thriller series that has me hooked Netflix's new mystery thriller series has already broken into the top 10
BreakingNews.ie
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
First look at Suranne Jones as prime minister in Netflix project Hostage
New pictures show actress Suranne Jones playing a fictional British prime minister in her first Netflix project, Hostage, on which she will also be an executive producer. Jones, 46, will star in the five-part thriller, written by Matt Charman, alongside Julie Delpy, who will play a fictional French president, when it is released on the streaming platform on August 21. Advertisement Jones said of the show: 'I'm thrilled to be on Netflix, in something I'm really proud of. It's been something I've wanted to do for a long time. Hostage is to be Jones's first Netflix project (Netflix/PA) 'We'd talked about projects previously, but for me it was about finding the right thing. Hostage was perfect – me and Matt together backed up by this brilliant, supportive team. I loved it.' The series will see Jones's character's husband kidnapped, and Delpy's visiting French president blackmailed, leaving the two leaders to face unimaginable choices. The show will see the duo forced into a fierce rivalry where their political futures, and lives, might hang in the balance, as they are forced to work together to uncover the plot that threatens them both. Advertisement The show will see Jones's character's husband kidnapped (Netflix/PA) Writer Charman said of the show: 'I've been dying to find the right story to tell with Suranne and I honestly believe what she's done with this character is going to blow the Netflix audience away. 'An embattled British PM in the middle of a fight for her country and her family – she's fierce, ruthless and you can't take your eyes off of her.' Jones rose to fame playing Karen McDonald on ITV soap Coronation Street, and the actress is due to star in the third series of BBC police drama Vigil, which is being filmed this year with a release date yet to be announced.
Daily Mail
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Suranne Jones turns Prime Minister in first look a twisted new thriller Hostage as she signs first ever Netflix deal in 'move she's wanted to make for a long time'
Suranne Jones turns the Prime Minister in a first look at a twisted new Netflix thriller Hostage as she signs her first ever Netflix deal in 'move she's wanted to make for a long time '. Upcoming political thriller Hostage, created by Matt Charman, will hit the the streaming service on 21st August 2025. The brand new series will see Suranne as Abigail Dalton, Julie Delpy as Vivienne Toussaint and Corey Mylchreest as Matheo Lewis. They will be joined by Lucian Msamati, Ashley Thomas, James Cosmo and Jehnny Beth. Netflix has released a sneak peek at the new show, with Suranne as her alter-ego waving outside 10 Downing Street with a smile on her face. While in another she looked very serious in a tie dye blouse and burgundy blazer while standing next to Julie as the fictional French president Vivienne. Hostage's official synopsis reads: 'When the British Prime Minister's husband is kidnapped and the visiting French President is blackmailed, the two political leaders both face unimaginable choices. 'Forced into a fierce rivalry where their political futures, and lives, might hang in the balance, can they work together to uncover the plot that threatens them both?' Speaking about her upcoming role, Suranne said: 'I'm thrilled to be on Netflix, in something I'm really proud of. 'It's been something I've wanted to do for a long time. 'We'd talked about projects previously, but for me it was about finding the right thing. 'Hostage was perfect - me and Matt together backed up by this brilliant, supportive team. I loved it.' Writer Matt added: 'I've been dying to find the right story to tell with Suranne and I honestly believe what she's done with this character is going to blow the Netflix audience away. 'An embattled British PM in the middle of a fight for her country and her family – she 's fierce, ruthless and you can't take your eyes off of her.' Suranne has been active in the acting scene for the past 29 years. She was initially best known for playing Karen McDonald in ITV's Coronation Street. She played the iconic character in the soap between 2000 and 2004. But since then she's appeared in various other series over the years. Surrane has landed roles in the likes of Harley Street, Unforgiven, Doctor Who and Scott & Bailey. She's also played Anne Lister in Gentleman Jack, DCI Amy Silva in Vigil and Gemma Foster in Doctor Foster. This year she has also taken on the role of Suz in Film Club and Bert in Frauds. It comes after it was revealed that one of Suranne's other shows is set to return to out screens soon. Filming for the BBC hit is due to begin later this year in Scotland, with the third instalment of the police show airing in 2026. The Emmy-winning programme also stars Rose Leslie as DI Kirsten Longacre. It follows the two detectives as they tackle a case at a remote Arctic research station where a member of a British special forces mission was killed. Nominated for a BAFTA in 2022, the new series is set to be packed full of action and cast members are buzzing to begin production.
