Channel 4 & Peacock Order Peter Kosminsky Cyber Thriller

Channel 4 and Peacock have commissioned The Undeclared War, a cyber thriller directed and co-written by Peter Kosminsky (Wolf Hall, The Government Inspector).

The project reunites Kosminsky with Colin Callender and his production company Playground, following their Wolf Hall collaboration. Playground will co-produce the series with NBCUniversal International Studios. NBCUniversal Global Distribution will handle international sales.

Set in a post-pandemic 2024 in the run-up to a British general election, The Undeclared War tracks a team of analysts buried in the heart of GCHQ (the U.K.’s version of the NSA) secretly working to ward off a cyber-attack on the country’s electoral system.

The cast includes Mark Rylance, Simon Pegg, Adrian Lester, Alex Jennings, Maisie Richardson-Sellers and newcomer Hannah Khalique-Brown.

Kosminsky said: “The series is based deep within the least-known arm of the U.K.’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.”

“I’m delighted to be reuniting with Peter to bring his exhilarating vision to life,” said Callender. “The Undeclared War is a stunning cautionary tale that brings to life a world never seen before on television or in film. I’m equally thrilled to be partnering with NBCUniversal International Studios, Channel 4 and Peacock, all of whom have been fiercely supportive and dedicated to bringing this provocative, timely story to the screen.”

Caroline Hollick, head of Channel 4 drama, said: “Peter Kosminsky is a titan of British television drama, and it’s a privilege to have this ground-breaking thriller on Channel 4—it’s a truly momentous series which will change the way we see the world around us. I’m also delighted to have such stellar names in the cast, as well as the chance to break brand-new on-screen talent.”

“It’s such an honor to bring this powerhouse writing and producing team to Peacock for a thrilling drama that will keep viewers at the edge of their seat with this timely and realistic look into cybersecurity,” added Lisa Katz, president of scripted content at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.